International border closures have affected the lives of thousands of young people around the world who were set to travel to Australia with approved working holiday visas.
After years of saving money for their big journey, many had their suitcases packed, they had left their employment in their home countries, or quit their home leases, as they were about to embark on a new life adventure Down Under, after meeting the necessary requirements to have their working holiday visas approved.
Border closures have also meant working holiday visa holders abroad who have turned 31 in the last year, face a losing battle trying to enter the country when the border reopens.
The Australian working holiday visa is open to applicants aged between 18 and 30. Citizens of Canada, France or Ireland are eligible until the age of 35.
Spaniard Cristina Perez is one of the visa holders who have had their hopes of working in Australia dashed.
She had her visa approved before turning 30 in the UK, but was unable to fly to Australia before the border closed.
Now, a year after she intended to move, she no longer meets the age requirement of the visa, and her chances to come to Australia appear grim.
"I was ready to go to Australia with my work and holiday visa and due to COVID our dreams have been crushed ... We cannot reapply," she tells SBS Spanish.
She's among the thousands of young people in a similar situation.
Those affected believe it's unfair they had their plans ruined, as they met the requirements to have their visas approved, but now they can't enter Australia.
“It's horrible ... everything fell through and I'm deeply sadenned. I am sad, my visa has expired, after waiting so long,” Perez laments.
"[I had] many dreams of going there [Australia] to work, to live the experience, and suddenly from one day to the next, everything collapses because of something out of our control. The feeling is horrible.”
Because those affected were unable to enter within the prescribed period stipulated by visa conditions, the Australian government requires them to reapply for the visa. Despite being eligible for a refund of administrative fees, people who have turned 31 no longer meet the visa requirements to reapply.
“I was surprised that they (the Australian government) were unfair and haven't treated everyone equally ... They excluded people who no longer meet the age requirement, even though they already have an approved visa," Perez adds.
I thought Australia was an open country that welcomes everyone. I don't understand this.
A group of visa holders in the same situation have mobilised on social media and many are refusing the $485 visa refund.
They are calling on the government to find a solution, especially considering
"If people are needed to work on farms in the agricultural sector … or in any other sector where we are willing to work, then [why don't they let us] contribute?"
Visa holder groups have sent letters to the Australian Parliament, emailed political and corporate leaders and have collected signatures, attempting to pressure officials to introduce exemptions, but have not received a response so far.
Australia's closed border means that workers from overseas aren't able to enter the country. Source: Supplied
"The fairest thing would be for them to extend the visa to us, just like Canada has done," Perez complains.
