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Manchester, United Kingdom — 22-25 September 2009

WYSE Archives

Aussies & Irish to undertake Working Holidays up to age 35

Nov 7, 2018

Media Release: 2 November 2018

YHA Australia welcomes the announcement that from 1 November 2018, young Irish up to the age of 35 will be eligible to apply for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa to enter Australia. Under the reciprocal scheme, Australians applying for a Working Holiday in Ireland can also be aged up to 35.

Julian Ledger, CEO of YHA Australia, said:

“YHA welcomes the age extension to 35 for Working Holiday Makers between Australia and Ireland. Working holidays are a ‘rite of passage’ for many young Aussies and Irish in each other’s countries, and the bars of Dublin and Sydney depend on both their labour and patronage!”

Australia currently has reciprocal Working Holiday Maker programs for cultural exchange, including temporary work rights, with 41 countries – see www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/ente/work

The new eligibility age (up from age 30) will apply to both first and second Working Holiday visa applications – see https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/Age-increase-for-the-Australian,-Irish-and-Canadian-Working-Holiday-program.aspx

Breandan O’Caollai, the Irish Ambassador to Australia, said:

“I am delighted that both the Australian and Irish governments have agreed to amend the Working Holiday Programme. People who avail of these visas gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will stand to them for the rest of their lives. I would also particularly encourage young Australians to go to Ireland where they will have a very positive life experience”.

About YHA:

YHA is a not-for-profit membership based organisation, and part of the world’s largest budget accommodation network, Hostelling International, with over 4,000 properties in 60 countries, including 75 unique places to stay in Australia and 22 in Ireland (known as “An Óige”).

-ENDS-

Media note: For more information, please contact:

Silke Kerwick Public Affairs Manager | YHA Australia

Level 3/9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (GPO Box 5276, Sydney NSW 2001)

p:  +61 9261 1111

e:  silke.kerwick@yha.com.au