By Junex Doronio
GOOD NEWS for Filipinos and Australians who are 18 to 31 years old and are graduates of tertiary education or have at least finished two years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education.
They are now allowed to seek employment while they’re on vacation in the host nation.
“Work and Holiday visa holders who work during their visit pursuant to this arrangement will be covered by the same diplomatic labor laws of the host government as local workers, subject to the employment conditions,” the MOU said.
This was the deal signed during an official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8.
Representing the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo signed the agreement with the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu.
However, the Philippines and Australia have yet to announce when the new visa schemes will take effect.
On Sunday, September 10, Malacañang said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) states that both Manila and Canberra will be issuing multiple entry visas that allow citizens to work during their stay for a non-extendable period of not more than one year.
The Palace also pointed out that applicants should also “meet health, character, and national security requirements and have medical and health insurance for the duration of their stay. The 12-month countdown begins on the first date of entry.
It added that after 12 months, the Filipino or Australian can leave and then re-enter either the Philippines or Australia using the same visa. (ai/mnm)
