The federal government announced it would support Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry by offering visa flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The existing work hour limits for student visa holders— currently at 40 hours fortnightly—will be lifted for those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. There are currently about 350,000 student visa holders in Australia. Temporary visa holders working in or intending to work in the tourism and hospitality industry will also be able to apply for the 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa 90 days before their existing visa expires. The 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa lasts for a period of 12 months and is already open to key industries of agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care, and child care. While the international border closure has dealt a severe blow to the tourism and hospitality industry, it has also resulted in the loss of a large number …