Australia will start providing up to 1,000 work and holiday visas each year to Indian citizens beginning October 1, 2024. This move is part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which aims to strengthen ties between the two nations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the development during his recent visit to Australia.
Boosting Mobility and Connections
The AI-ECTA, which took effect in December 2022, facilitates the mobility of young Indian professionals and strengthens people-to-people connections between India and Australia. Minister Goyal expressed optimism about the new visa program, stating, “The Work and Holiday visa, a key commitment under AI-ECTA, will be operational from October 1, 2024, and will deepen the bonds between our two nations.”
Under this agreement, Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 can apply for a one-year visa that allows them to work, study, and travel across Australia. These multiple-entry visas will be granted to up to 1,000 eligible Indian citizens each year, enabling them to stay temporarily in Australia for 12 months.
Expanding the Trade Agreement
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement represents an essential step in the growing partnership between the two countries. During Goyal’s visit, both sides discussed expanding the existing agreement into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Negotiations are ongoing to enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation further.
Goyal emphasized that his interactions with Indian and Australian businesses during his visit to Sydney would bolster trade and investment ties. Both countries have set a target to achieve AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Broader Collaboration on Multilateral Platforms
India and Australia also discussed strengthening their cooperation in multilateral and regional forums. The two nations have been working closely to enhance ties beyond trade, including collaboration in various sectors like technology, education, and defense.
India-Egypt Trade Discussions
In addition to the Australia visit, the Indian Commerce Ministry also highlighted ongoing trade discussions with Egypt. The sixth session of the India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was recently held in New Delhi, with both nations identifying key areas for cooperation, including the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing.
This series of trade discussions signals India’s growing focus on expanding its international economic partnerships, with a particular emphasis on mobility, cooperation, and trade facilitation across multiple regions.
(With inputs from agencies)
