Australia has ended its Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) initiative, known as the Covid-19 Pandemic Event visa from February 1, VisaGuide reported on Monday.

Launched in April 2020, the visa was aimed at ensuring a legal stay for temporary visa holders during border closures due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The Australian government had stated that the measure facilitated the legal presence of temporary residents in the country along with playing a pivotal role in addressing the labour shortages issues in major core sectors of the economy.

However, the Pandemic Event Visa has now been ceased as Australia’s borders are now fully open, and the number of temporary visa holders is back to pre-Covid-19 levels.

Read: Australia to issue more skilled worker visas as Golden Visa scheme axed

Meanwhile, the government has advised the visa holders to ensure their continued legal stay in Australia as their illegal status is likely to make it challenging for their future visits to the country.

According to the authorities, visa holders are advised to use the Visa Eligibility Verification Online (VEVO) system to verify their visa conditions and validity.

The existing pandemic event visa will remain valid until it expires or the applicant secures another visa.

It is pertinent to mention that the authorities will continue to proceed visa applications submitted before February 1.