Young Indians will join the thousands of working backpackers that descend on Australia from around the world each year, with the country added to the working holiday program.
Federal Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said a new partnership was reached under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, making India the 50th Working Holiday Maker partner country.
Mr Thistlethwaite said Australia now offered a one-year Work and Holiday (WHM) (subclass 462) visa annually for up to 1000 eligible Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30.
He said pre-application ballot registration for the WHM visa opened on October 1 for the 2024-25 program year and would close on October 31.
“These visa holders will be able to participate in short-term work and study during their stay in Australia.”
Mr Thistlethwaite said the Working Holiday Maker program had promoted cultural exchange between young people from Australia and partner countries since 1975.
“The addition of India in the program will enrich the Indian diaspora in Australia, further enhancing the cultural exchange already flourishing in the Australian community.”
