IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Australia has recently signed Memorandums of Understanding with Luxembourg and San Marino to introduce reciprocal Work and Holiday Visa programs for young people.

What does the change mean? Under each agreement, 100 individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from Australia and the partner country (Luxembourg or San Marino) will be able to apply for Work and Holiday visas. The visas allow for Australian and partner country nationals to travel, work and study in each other’s countries for short-term stays.

  • Implementation timeframe: Start dates for the reciprocal programs are yet to be confirmed.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas.
  • Who is affected: Australian, Luxembourg and San Marino 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: Luxembourg and San Marino and will join Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United States and Uruguay to have a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement in place with Australia. 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 an employer.

BAL Analysis: The Work and Holiday Visas provide an opportunity for employers with global programs to employ Australian, Luxembourg and San Marino nationals.

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

MARN: 0850984

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