Joint media release with Senator the Hon Don Farrell
The Australian Government is delivering enhanced pathways for young Australians and UK passport holders to live and work in each country.
Today the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) entered into force, commencing new arrangements under Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS).
For UK passport holders who apply for Australia’s Working Holiday visa, the new arrangements will see an increase in the eligible age range and removal of specified work requirements.
- From 1 July 2023, UK passport holders will be able to apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive. This is a five year increase from the current maximum age of 30 years inclusive.
- From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders will be eligible to be granted Working Holiday visas up to a total of three years without having to meet any specified work requirements.
Similarly, for Australian passport holders who apply for the UK’s YMS, the new arrangements will also see an increase in the eligible age range and the ability to stay in the UK for up to three years.
- From 31 January 2024 Australian passport holders will:
- be able to apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive. This is a five year increase from the current maximum age of 30 years inclusive; and
- extend their YMS visa for a third year if they choose.
Quotes attributable to Senator Farrell:
“The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will not only deliver significant benefits to Australia’s economy and strengthen an already close relationship with the UK, but also increase opportunities for young Australians and UK citizens to live and work in each country.
“The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement reflects the Government’s commitment to diversifying trade and easing cost-of-living pressures for Australians. The new arrangements will complement medium and longer-term efforts to address domestic skill deficits through education, training and sectoral reform in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Giles:
“Through measures such as an expansion in the age of eligibility, from 1 July 2023, the Government will deliver enhanced reciprocal pathways for young UK and Australian passport holders to live and work in each country.”
