Sep 6, 2026 – 12.58pmIf you’ve noticed more British accents in your local cafe, pub or restaurant, you’re not imagining it.The number of visas granted to UK backpackers in Australia has surged 110 per cent to 74,222 in the past three years thanks to a free trade agreement that relaxed the rules, effectively turning holiday visas into de facto work visas for young Brits eager to make hay while the sun shines.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
UK backpacker surge turns holiday visas into de facto work permits
Australia is smashing the UK on backpacker numbers. The government granted 74,000 backpacker visas last year, while only 8000 Australians went the other way.
93 words~1 min read
