Mutual work and holiday visas announced

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Australia and Israel have agreed to a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa program.

What does the change mean? The memorandum of understanding provides 500 visas in each country for young people to work and travel for up to a year in each other’s countries.

• Implementation timeframe: The agreement has been signed but an implementation date has not been announced.
• Visas/permits affected: Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas.
• Who is affected: Young adults 18 to 30 years old.
• Business impact: The arrangement benefits employers in each country who may hire young adults for short-term work.

Background: Australia and Israel signed the agreement 22 October and announced that they will work toward implementing immigration procedures in coming months. Work and Holiday visas provide that young adults, generally aged 18 to 30, may travel and work on a short-term basis, usually for up to one year.

BAL Analysis: Australia continues to expand its Work and Holiday program. Israel is the 12th country to be added to the program, joining Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, the U.S. and Uruguay.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 9683856

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