People sunbathe on Bondi Beach
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Australia will waive the cost of a working holiday visa for young British tourists in a bid to encourage them to visit Down Under.
Young travellers from Britain and Ireland who arrive in the country on the visa before April 19 will be refunded the cost of applying, said tourism bosses.
It will amount to getting around £260 back.
The move is part of a ‘Work and Play the Aussie Way’ campaign to encourage backpackers to choose scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or sunbathing on Bondi Beach over other locations.
“This new incentive will enable thousands of backpackers to potentially start working and travelling in Australia sooner, and what’s more the visa application charge refund can help to boost their travel funds,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison.
“We know the type of travellers that take up working holidays tend to stay longer, spend more and visit two or more destinations around the country as they combine work with travel - and Australia’s tourism and hospitality businesses are keen to welcome them back.”
The country will also allow the visa holders to work for the same employer or organisation for more than six months up until 31 December 2022 without needing to request permission.
More than 24,000 working holiday visa applications have been made since they were reintroduced in November 2021 as Australia began to reopen its border after Covid lockdowns, tourism officials said.
The highest number of applications come from the UK and Ireland respectively.
“If the last two years have left you seeking a career or lifestyle change, now is a really great time to be a job-seeker in Australia,” added Tourism Australia’s Sally Cope.
“There are thousands of positions up for grabs in some of the most breathtaking destinations.”
