MANILA – In an exciting development for young Filipinos, the Australian Embassy in Manila has announced that it will be granting “work and holiday” visas to 200 individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 starting in 2024. This reciprocal visa arrangement between Manila and Canberra aims to foster stronger economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
The exact date for when the Philippines will be eligible for this scheme has yet to be announced, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have already unveiled this exciting opportunity. The “Work and Holiday” visa will allow young people from both countries to spend an extended period in each other’s nations, supporting not only economic growth but also people-to-people connections.
According to the Australian Embassy, this visa will enable individuals aged 18 to 30 to have an extended holiday in Australia while also being able to work and fund their trip. This means that visa holders will have the opportunity to engage in short-term work, study for up to four months, and travel to and from Australia as many times as they desire.
As with any visa, there are requirements that need to be met. One crucial requirement is having enough funds to support oneself while in Australia. The Australian Department of Home Affairs suggests having approximately 5,000 Australian dollars (around PHP180,900) for the initial stay, as well as additional funds to cover the cost of a return flight at the end of the visit.
The “Work and Holiday” visa itself costs approximately 635 Australian dollars (around PHP22,974) and grants the holder a minimum of 12 months of stay in Australia. This extended period will allow young Filipinos to truly immerse themselves in Australian culture and explore all that the country has to offer.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the “Work and Holiday” visa arrangement was signed between the Philippines and Australia during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official visit to Malacañang on September 8. Under this MOU, eligible participants from both countries will be granted the “Work and Holiday” visa, allowing them to live and work in the host country for up to 12 months.
The MOU emphasizes that the primary purpose of this visa arrangement is to provide participants with the opportunity to have a holiday while also being able to engage in work to support their stay. The agreement will remain valid indefinitely unless terminated through written notice via diplomatic channels.
This exciting development opens up new opportunities for young Filipinos to experience Australia’s vibrant culture, gain valuable work experience, and forge lasting connections. The date and details for the application process will be announced in due course, so aspiring applicants should stay tuned for further updates. It’s an exciting time for young travelers and adventurers from both the Philippines and Australia!
source: PNA
