Work and Holiday visa arrangements signed with Austria and Czech Republic

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Australia has signed Work and Holiday visa agreements with Austria and the Czech Republic.

What does the change mean? Under the agreements, Australian, Austrian and Czech nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 will be able to apply for Work and Holiday visas. The visas allow for Australian and partner country nationals (Austria and the Czech Republic) to travel, work and study in each other’s countries for short-term stays.

• Implementation timeframe: The work and holiday arrangements will be implemented on 15 February 2018 for Austria and on 1 March 2018 for the Czech Republic.
• Visas/permits affected: Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas.
• Who is affected: Australian, Austrian and Czech nationals who are at least 18 but less than 31 years of age.
• Business impact: Employers may hire individuals on Work and Holiday visas for up to six months.

Background: Austria and the Czech Republic will join 22 other countries that have work and holiday visa arrangements with Australia, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay and Vietnam. Australia’s current Work and Holiday program allows foreign nationals to visit for up to one year, during which time they may study for up to four months and work for up to six months for any one employer.

BAL Analysis: The Work and Holiday visas provide an opportunity for employers with global programs to employ Australian, Austrian and Czech nationals.

MARN: 0101248

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

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