Young people from Greece and Australia are a step closer to having the opportunity to visit and work in each other’s countries, with the signing of a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement today in Canberra.
The agreement was signed by Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison and by visiting Tourism Minister of Greece Olga Kefalogianni.
“This arrangement, when brought into effect, will enable up to 500 young adults from Greece and 500 young adults from Australia to enjoy a holiday in each other’s country, during which they may engage in short-term work and study,” Scott Morrison said.
The one-year work and holiday visa differs from a working holiday visa as it requires applicants to have the support of their government, hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications and to speak functional English.
The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Fronditha, the Australian Greek Welfare Society, Labor federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, former Labor federal MP Steve Georganas, former minister of Immigration Chris Bowen, Neos Kosmos and others were some of the organisations and people involved in the campaign to sign this agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding, as the agreement is called, before it comes into effect needs to be ratified by the Greek Parliament.
Read more in this Saturday’s edition of Neos Kosmos.