COVID-19 Support for Migrant Workers

Payments may be available to you if you are affected by COVID-19. Holders of a visa with working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for the following payment.

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is available for workers who are unable to earn income because they have to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 or care for someone subject to these requirements. Please see ‘State & Territory Specific Support’ for links to the scheme for your jurisdiction. More information from Services Australia regarding COVID-19 support in general are available here.

Please note that the COVID-19 Disaster Payment for workers adversely affected by a state public health order is no longer available.

COVID-19 tests and vaccinations (including boosters) are free for everyone.

For COVID-19 tests, PCR/ RT-PCR testing is available for free. However, states and territories may specify that only certain categories of people should seek out a PCR/ RT-PCR test. Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for COVID-19 are also available. However, you may have to pay for a RAT unless you meet the Commonwealth or state or territory criteria for free or discounted RATs. You may also wish to enquire with your employer if they will be providing RATs to employees.

For more information regarding testing and vaccinations:

• NSW Testing / Vaccinations
• VIC Testing / Vaccinations
• QLD Testing / Vaccinations
• SA Testing / Vaccinations
• WA Testing / Vaccinations
• NT Testing / Vaccinations
• ACT Testing / Vaccinations
• TAS Testing / Vaccinations

New South Wales

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (NSW)
• The NSW Government provides financial and other support such as the Test and Isolate Support Payment which you may be eligible for.
• Study NSW has set up a COVID-19 Help Hub which contains resources on support for international students.

Victoria

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (Victoria)
• The Victorian Government has set up a page outlining financial and other support such as the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment. The page outlines specifically support measures for international students.

Queensland

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (Queensland)
• Both the Queensland Government and Study Queensland have compiled a list of resources on COVID-19 support available at the state level.

South Australia

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (South Australia)
• The South Australian Government provides a range of financial and other support such as the Testing Isolation Payment which you may be eligible for.
• Information relevant to international students can be found on StudyAdelaide.

Western Australia

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (Western Australia)
• Information from the Western Australian Government regarding COVID-19 support such as the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment can be found here.
• StudyPerth provides information relevant to international students.

Northern Territory

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (Northern Territory)
• The Northern Territory Government has provided a list of resources on COVID-19 support services.

Australian Capital Territory

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (ACT)
• The ACT Government provides financial and other support such as the COVID-19 Hardship Payment to persons affected by COVID-19. Information on support for temporary visa holders can be found here and here.

Tasmania

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (Tasmania)
• The Tasmanian Government provides a range of emergency relief, accommodation, financial and individual grant support for those affected by COVID-19.
• Individual grants you may be eligible for include the Test and Isolate Grant and a payment for those who are unable to work due to attending a vaccine appointment or in the days after receiving their vaccine.
• Information specific to temporary visa holders are available here.