Australia is set to introduce approximately 1,000 work-holiday visas annually for Indian citizens, starting October 1, as part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). This announcement follows the recent three-day visit by India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who stated that the initiative aims to enhance mobility and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
This move to provide 1,000 work-holiday visas stems from the trade agreement signed in 2022. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has since revised its visa regulations, incorporating India into the subclass 462 (work and holiday) visa program. The updated rules now recognize India as a qualifying country, allowing Indian passport holders to apply for this visa.
The subclass 462 visa permits individuals aged 18 to 30 to travel and work in Australia, helping to fund their stay. Unlike a standard tourist visa, it grants the right to work and study.
Piyush Goyal expressed his satisfaction with the operationalization of the work and holiday visa under the AI-ECTA on October 1, highlighting its role in promoting mobility and enhancing people-to-people connections. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also emphasized that the initiative would benefit tourism and workforce needs in regional Australia, providing young, adventurous Indians with new opportunities. He noted that this development would allow Indian students graduating in Australia to engage in post-study work, with a bonus year for high-achieving STEM graduates.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reinforce ties between India and Australia. Earlier this year, Australia established the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR), which will focus on enhancing cooperation in business, academia, and cultural sectors, while also emphasizing the significance of the Indian-Australian community’s contributions alongside governmental roles.
