International students will be allowed to work longer hours in aged care due to COVID

International students will be temporarily allowed to work longer hours in aged care facilities throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Currently, student visa restrictions cap their availability at 20 hours of aged care work per week, but that cap will be removed due to international borders remaining shut. 

Health Minister Greg Hunt believes that this easing of restrictions will help to ease pressure on overworked aged care staff.

“While the vaccination program means we are seeing fewer hospitalisations and deaths, our workforce continues to be placed under pressure because of COVID-19,” said Hunt.

“Many aged care workers, nurses and other staff have been working at a higher intensity during the pandemic.”