The hospitality industry says the government is holding back the economy with the current immigration system

A petition calling for visa extensions and border exceptions for other critical workers has received more than 3 thousand signatures in less than a week.

The industry also wants an extension of the number of work hours allowed on student visas.

Restaurant Association Chief Executive Marisa Bidois says we need to remember we're in the middle of a pandemic.

She says policy needs to reflect that so we can keep the economy moving.