BYTAP commends the Australian and UK Governments’ announcement on 16 June 2021 regarding changes to Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas for nationals of both countries as part of a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In particular, the increase in eligibility for the visa of up to 35 years of age (up from 30) will enable a wider cohort of young Britons to visit Australia (and is in line with the current age limit for several other countries including France, Canada and Ireland.)

The removal of the requirement for British WHMs to undertake 88 days of specified (generally agricultural) work in designated regional areas of Australia to obtain a second year visa (and double that to obtain a third year visa) is also noted. This should benefit the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in regional areas, by providing opportunities for WHMs to fill seasonal and casual roles in this sector to fund their travels around Australia. The announcement that a 3-year visa will be readily available, with no conditions on the type of work to be carried out is a positive step towards growing this reciprocal cultural exchange program that has been in place between Australia and the UK since 1975.

BYTAP encourages expediting the announced changes, to be ready for the resumption of the scheme in a COVID-Safe manner, commencing with a pilot program in Australia as soon as is deemed appropriate.

See full article on MSN.com below.

Australia trade deal: What are the new rules for working holiday visas for under 35s? (msn.com)

Photo credit: PA WIRE