International students studying in Australia may be eligible for temporary financial assistance in the state of Victoria. Australian Prime Minister stated on Thursday (June 3) that the government will provide up to 500 Australian dollars to employees harmed by the state’s extended lockdown.
Eligibility Criteria For The Emergency Financial Assistance
International students may be eligible for the Commonwealth payment, according to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought, and Emergency Management David Littleproud. The government said that individuals would be able to apply for the payment online or by calling Services Australia from 8 June 2021.
International students are permitted to work up to 40 hours every two weeks while studying and an unlimited number of hours during vacations. During the pandemic, the federal government has given a temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders. Students employed in some industries such as aged care, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, may work more than 40 hours per week.
To apply for emergency financial assistance, students must be above the age of 17 and reside or work in a commonwealth-defined hotspot region. Additionally, they must have liquid assets of less than A$10,000.
Payment would be made “week by week.” If a lockdown lasts more than two weeks, you must reapply for another weekly payment for the duration of the lockdown. Once the commonwealth no longer classifies an area as a hotspot, the payment will be stopped by the government. This indicates that if a state or territory government maintains a lockdown after removal of the hotspot criteria, the payment will end.