24 November 2003

The Minister For Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer  and The Minister For Immigration, Multicultural And Indigenous Affairs Senator Amanda Vanstone 

Australia And France Sign Working Holiday Pact

Australia has today signed a Working Holiday Maker agreement with France opening up new opportunities for young Australians to experience the French lifestyle and culture.

The program provides young Australians with a chance to gain valuable skills overseas, thereby increasing Australia’s competitiveness in the global market. And it encourages young people from France to come to Australia on working holidays.

France is the 17th country to join Australia’s reciprocal scheme administered by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

The program boosts tourism to Australia and benefits industries that rely heavily on casual labour at peak times, especially the hospitality, horticultural and rural industries.

France’s inclusion in the program underlines the close relationship between the two countries and creates exciting opportunities for young Australians and young French people to experience each other’s culture.

More than 88,750 visas were issued under the scheme last year.

Under the arrangement between Australia and France, people aged between 18 and 30 can apply for working holiday visas for up to 12 months. Work undertaken in Australia must be incidental to the main purpose of holidaying and employment for more than three months with any one employer is not allowed.

Since 1 July 2002, Australians have been able to lodge applications on the Internet. Electronic lodgement enables clients to apply for visas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Media contacts:  Chris Kenny  (Mr Downer) 0419 206 890 - Damon Hunt  (Senator Vanstone) (02) 6277 7860