Under the agreement, Australia will grant up to 1,000 multiple-entry work and holiday visas annually to eligible Indian citizens for a temporary stay of 12 months…reports Asian Lite News
Australia is set to offer up to 1,000 work and holiday visas annually to Indian citizens starting from October 1, 2024, as part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, following his recent three-day visit to Australia, expressed optimism that this initiative will strengthen the mobility of young professionals and deepen the people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The AI-ECTA, which came into force in December 2022, enables Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 to apply for a one-year visa that allows them to work, study, and travel across Australia.
Under the agreement, Australia will grant up to 1,000 multiple-entry work and holiday visas annually to eligible Indian citizens for a temporary stay of 12 months. These visas provide a unique opportunity for young Indians to gain international exposure, enhance their skills, and experience Australia’s culture and work environment.
During Goyal’s visit, discussions were held to expand the scope of AI-ECTA into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The minister emphasized the importance of this expansion in facilitating further economic collaboration between the two countries.
Both sides also set a target of achieving AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, underscoring the need to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums and regional partnerships.
In addition to the India-Australia discussions, Goyal’s ministry also highlighted ongoing cooperation between India and Egypt. The sixth session of the India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held in New Delhi on September 16-17, 2024, resulted in both countries identifying areas for enhanced collaboration, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), pharmaceuticals, engineering, electronics, and other key industries.
India also secured approvals for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between its National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Egypt’s MSME Development Agency (MSMEDA), aiming to boost mutual trade and investment ties.
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