Ministerial Submission MS24-000086 Attachment A - Talking Points - Final Closure Pandemic Event Visa, 16 January 2024 ​

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The Department of Home Affairs released talking points prepared for ministerial media response regarding the closure of the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)—Pandemic Event visa. The visa opened in April 2020 to allow temporary migrants to remain in Australia during border closures and address pandemic-related labour shortages in critical sectors. New applications closed on 2 September 2023, with final closure on 1 February 2024. As of 31 December 2023, 104,467 visa holders remained in Australia. The talking points emphasize that borders are now open with regular migrant flows, making the visa no longer necessary, and stress visa holders must maintain lawful status or face detention and removal costs. Employers are directed to verify worker visa validity through the VEVO system and ensure compliance with work rights requirements.