British backpackers will escape the worst of a sweeping Australian immigration crackdown that will make it easier to expel foreign offenders and extremists and detain people who overstay their visas.

Under reforms announced by the Australian government, the number of working holidaymakers allowed to remain for a second or third year will be slashed and places allocated through a ballot.

Those who win places in the ballot will be required to work in regional Australia, potentially helping farms and other rural employers that have relied heavily on backpacker labour.

Read the full story at The Times