COVID-19 - Q&A new measures for temporary visa holders and seasonal workers

To ensure that there are measures in place to restrict the spread of COVID-19.

These new measures only apply to someone engaged in primary production who is a temporary visa holder (e.g. fruit pickers) moving from a metropolitan area (in NSW or interstate) to a regional area in NSW, and all seasonal workers coming into NSW from Victoria.

All visa holders will be required to complete a declaration form confirming that they have employment prior to travelling to regional areas in NSW. Visa holders that are travelling from metropolitan areas to regional areas will need to undertake 14 days of self-isolation at origin and confirm that this has been undertaken in the declaration form. Alternatively, you can be tested for COVID-19 and declare that your test has been returned with a negative result. Simply state when and where the test was conducted.

Visa holders will be expected to find their own accommodation and cover the cost incurred during the 14 days self-isolation period.

The Commonwealth has provided information on their website and via social media. NSW DPI has guidance for employers and employees.

A metropolitan area is a designated area that is not considered a regional area by Home Affairs.

There are no additional restrictions on visa holders with regarding to travelling to and from work, however, they should adhere to the social distancing measures outlined in the Public Health Orders at all times.

Visa holders will be required to complete and sign a declaration form (PDF, 227.64 KB) confirming that they have undertaken 14 days of self-isolation at origin or have been tested for COVID-19. Visa holders will be required to carry the declaration form with them as they travel.

Visa holders must not travel to regional areas, unless they have secured employment in those regional areas.

All visa holders need to complete and sign a declaration form (PDF, 227.64 KB) prior to travelling to a regional area in NSW.

Visa holders must travel directly to the regional area following the 14 day self-isolation period, they should not spend any more time than necessary in the metropolitan area.

You will be required to be tested for COVID-19. If the test is negative, continue your 14 day isolation,  prior to travelling to the regional area.

If positive you should contact NSW Health for guidance, but you will need to isolate for a further 14 days at a minimum.

You should also contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. If translation or interpretation services are required, you should contact 131 450.

Visa holders travelling between regional areas will not be required to self-isolate unless they have visited a metropolitan area whilst moving from farm to farm, or are coming from Victoria into NSW.

Visa holders travelling from inter-state regional areas will not be required to self-isolate, with the exception of Victoria. However, if you are travelling from a metropolitan area to regional NSW you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days at the point of origin.

If you have travelled through a metropolitan area and have adhered to the social distancing measures you do not have to self-isolate again, unless you are coming into NSW from Victoria. However, if whilst travelling through a metropolitan area, if you have come into contact with someone that has been tested positive for COVID-19 you will be required to self-isolate.

Visa holders travelling interstate from QLD to NSW between regional areas will not be required to self-isolate. If you are entering NSW from Victoria, you will need to self-isolate.

You will enter self-isolation in the area that you are located and not be allowed to travel any further. NSW Health has more information on what to do if you get COVID-19 while working in a regional area.

Any breaches may result in cancellation of your visa.

It is recommended you sight and take an image of the declaration form for your records. Please ensure the visa number is on the document.

It is recommended that daily temperature tests of all workers are conducted to control the spread of COVID-19.

Accommodation will be required to adhere to the social distancing requirements outlined in the NSW Public Health Order. NSW DPI also has guidance for employers and employees.

You should contact your local council who may be able to assist in finding suitable accommodation for workers.

No.

Yes, the NSW Public Health Order allows for travel that is essential for work and those people involving members of the same household.

You should contact the NSW Public Health Unit in your local area by calling 1300 066 055. If translation or interpretation services are required, you should contact 131 450.

You need to immediately isolate the person from others and provide a disposable surgical mask, if available, for the person to wear. You need to ring the national COVID-19 hotline (1800 020 080) and follow the advice of health officials.

The area where the person was working and all places they have been should be cleaned using PPE. This may mean evacuating those areas.

You need to identify who at the workplace had close contact with the infected person in the 24 hours before that infected person started showing symptoms. Send those people home to self-isolate.

It is critical that you contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via their website, or use Speak Up as soon as possible.

You will also need to notify your workers compensation insurer within 48 hours