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AUSTRALIA'S arrangements for Working Holiday makers will undergo significant changes which will bring the scheme into line with conditions imposed by other countries, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs has announced.
The changes flow from the Government's response to a report by the Joint Standing Committee on Migration and becomes effective from 1 July 2000.
The changes include the following:
* Only citizens from countries with which Australia has reciprocal arrangements will be eligible to apply for Working Holiday visas.
* Previously people form non-agreement countries could apply to go to Australia under the Working Holiday scheme. This group formed less than two per cent of the programme participants and will no longer be eligible.
* The eligible age range of applicants has been broadened to include all 18 to 30-year-olds from arrangement countries.
* Provisions will be simplified so that Working Holiday makers will be permitted a stay for 12 months from the date of initial entry to Australia, regardless of whether or not they spend the whole period in Australia.
* No Working Holiday visa applications will be granted onshore, which could previously be done in order to recover time spent outside Australia after the initial entry.
* The changes will affect all Working Holiday visa holders, regardless of when their visa was applied for or granted, or the date they first entered Australia.
* The changes are consistent with the conditions that other countries apply to Australian Working Holiday makers.
* Working Holiday visa holders will be ale to apply onshore for other temporary visas, some of which provide work rights, or for permanent residence visas if they