On 13 November 2012, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced that Australia will begin discussions with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland and the Slovak Republic in terms of creating reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements.
Mr Bowen is quoted on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website as stating:
‘The start of discussions for these new work and holiday arrangements recognises the value of Australia’s evolving bilateral relationships with these countries and will strengthen our cultural and people-to-people links,’ Mr Bowen said.
If the work and holiday visa arrangements proceed, this would allow citizens of Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland and the Slovak Republic access to work and holiday visas. Should the agreements proceed, this would enable applicants aged between 18 and 30 to stay in Australia for up to 12 months and engage in work and study of a short term nature.
It is required that applicants for the work and holiday visa have a minimum language requirement of functional English and must have or be studying towards tertiary qualifications.
It is proposed that there would be an annual cap on work and holiday visa grant numbers.
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