Whether it’s city life, or the great outback that’s stolen your heart. There’s only a few ways to stay past a one-year Working Holiday Visa. One of those is a second-year. To get it you’ll have to satisfy the Australian governments’ vicious requirements of completing 88 days regional work.
The requirement for completing regional work in exchange for a second-year visa goes for two different visas. Both the 417 WHV and the 462 Work and Holiday visa have this requirement. Although both visas are similar, they vary based on the citizenships applicants must have and other details on locations to finishing regional work.
In brief, there are a few options for completing regional work. Farm work, mining, construction, tree farming and fishing/pearling. Without previous experience or amazing networking, it’s unlikely to be hired in most of these categories.
This is why farm work is the most popular choice among WHV holders. I wanted to share some tips for completing regional work because I’ve had both positive and negative experiences. I know how it feels to be exploited and treated as an equal employee. It is possible to have a good regional work experience, but it might take some times to find it.
Table of Contents
Beware of Contractors
Contractors work as a middle man bringing workers to farmers. Contractors often advertise the jobs and provide accommodation and transportation (at a cost) to the farms. This could be a great situation for someone interested in the variety of work a contractor may have.
The downside is many contractors take get a fee somehow for hiring you on. Whether it’s a one-time fee, or from my experience a 40 percent cut from my paycheque. Contractors don’t explain this either, it’s up to employees to do their own investigating.
Be Careful of Working Hostels
Similar to contractors, working hostels can be a hot spot for exploitation. But when travellers are just focused on completing regional work they may not have time to look elsewhere. Many working hostels charge upwards of A$200 a week. All that’s included is a single bed and a mattress in a shared room. BYO sheets, pillows and blankets. These hostels also don’t guarantee a job. Many workers are forced to pay the high rent for weeks with empty promises of work.
Travellers may also have to pay a deposit and bond. This isn’t refundable if the worker leaves before three months—or even six months. So if the work sucks, or if there isn’t any work after a few weeks, the money won’t be refunded. Every hostel is different, some work specifically with farms that do piece rate and others hourly.
Ads Too Good to be True, Probably are
Whether looking at a job advertisement on Backpacker Job Board, Seek or numerous Facebook groups. Those that promise high pay, free accommodation, close proximity to the city, or other descriptions that sound perfect, be careful. These could be legitimate jobs, or someone trying to exploit workers.
One traveller made the news by finding cameras and audio recording equipment in his room and even his shower. This was for a job which included accommodation. Even after this traveller left and called the police. The employer had reposted the job offer on Facebook groups again. This isn’t a likely situation, but it’s better to be cautious and aware.
Be Careful when Travelling Alone
I used to travel alone all the time, there’s anything wrong with it. When it comes to completing regional work it can be more risky. There have been cases of workers being abused, raped, or even abducted by alleged employers, hostels and even other travellers.
These aren’t frequent occurrences but there are a lot of variables in trusting someone online. Many jobs can be in remote areas with no cellphone service. It’s better to travel with a new friend or at least let someone reliable know your intended plan, and when they should hear from you next.
Don’t allow Exploitation
The idea is that if workers continue to leave a job then the employer will have to make a change. This might not be possible, but it is possible to share your experience. Positive or negative, either through a blog or just a quick post on a Facebook group with other travellers.
Of course everyone has different experiences with employers. Some people may be more sensitive to some things than others. Still, feedback is a valuable resource and it’s good to help out the travelling community.
It’s Not Easy to Find Work
Searching for legitimate farm work was the hardest time I’ve ever had searching for a job. It took me three months to find a job at one point. Some people might find a good reliable job in their first week looking, but don’t rely on that. I did everything to find a reliable job. Still, it took me 10 months of hopping through jobs to complete my 88 regional days.
I am also experienced, had my own transportation, accommodation, spoke English fluently and was fit—many qualities farmers look for. It’s important if you’re serious about completing regional work to have enough money. Because there will be times of unemployment. In this case it’s not practical to wait until the end of your visa to do the regional work. People who do this could be prone to be exploited.
Piece-rate is Generally a Rip Off
Piece-rate is a pay scheme where workers are paid for what they pick, cut or plant. Meaning workers aren’t paid per hour but rather for the work completed.
Piece-rate was a pay scheme designed for workers that work hard and fast. Many employers and contractors alike have abused this system and workers hardly make minimum wage. Some workers go this route just to finish their days for another visa. Either way if choosing piece-rate it’s important to give the job time. Most workers won’t pick up speed for a few days or even weeks.
Australians Don’t Hate Backpackers
As a final note, Australians aren’t out to get travellers or backpackers. When feeling exploited by certain people in Australia, it’s easy to not feel welcome or protected in the country. Travellers on WHV have rights in Australia and must be paid at least minimum wage in the specified award. Each industry has its own award and minimum wage. It’s not okay to be in an abusive workplace, unsafe work conditions, be injured without pay or have pay withheld—among others.
If any of these things are happening it’s up to the employee to speak up and report the problems to the Australian government. Before starting a job with anyone it’s important to have their complete contact details. This includes first and last name, business name, phone number and address. This information would be necessary for reporting any problems to the appropriate agencies. If an employer withholds these details they may not be that trustworthy.
Post-COVID is Another Conversation
Unless you’ve been under a rock during the entire pandemic, the amount of backpackers in Australia has depleted. On top of that less and less people are willing to endure exploitive situations just to stay longer. This is now more of a market for backpackers looking for work. Some farmers are even increasing pay to attract more workers.
However, the bottom line is that there are still characters out there willing to exploit workers, whether that be backpackers or Australians. It’s definitely easier to find jobs now so if you’re being underpaid or exploited in any way, get out of there! If all else fails there’s jobs in the city as well. Don’t put up with exploitive situations and take advantage of the current job market!
Found a job? Check out tips for how to keep and survive your regional work.
