AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Renewed agreement for German and Aussie travellers

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Thousands of young Germans and Australians will have the opportunity to enjoy a working holiday in each other's countries following a renewed agreement in Berlin.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Teresa Gambaro announced that Alexander Downer, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, would sign an agreement on behalf of Australia during his visit to Germany this week.

The agreement will offer working holiday makers the benefits of work right extensions in both countries and will also formalise the opportunity for Germans to apply for a visa extension while visiting Australia.

Working holiday makers who are employed in a primary industry located in regional Australia may be also eligible to apply for a second 12-month visa. Germany is the fourth largest source of working holiday makers for Australia. Each year more than 12 000 German working holiday makers and over 130 000 German tourists visit Australia.

‘The arrangement with Germany is a win-win for young people from both our countries,’ Mr Downer said.

‘This agreement will ensure that our strong bilateral relations will continue in the future,’ he said.

‘The boost provided to the Australian economy by young German travellers is welcomed by both our tourism sector and employers,’ Ms Gambaro said. Ms Gambaro said over 58 000 German nationals had been granted a working holiday visa since 2000.

The Working Holiday Programme allows young people from 18 to 30 years old a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to take a 12 month working holiday in another country, based on a reciprocal agreement. The programmed is designed to promote cross-cultural relations.