From 14th May 2014, an additional 500 working visas are expected to be made available under the sc462 work and holiday visa programme.

Young people aged 18 to 30 from Greece are expected to be eligible to apply for the sc462 visa from next week when Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Minister of Tourism, will be in Melbourne to sign the agreement.

To be eligible for the sc462 visa, applicants must show that they have the support of their government, hold or be studying for a tertiary qualification and speak functional English.

The visa will be valid for 12 months from the date of first entry with holders permitted to leave and re-enter Australia any number of times during this period. Work and Holiday visa holders are entitled to work for up to 6 months with each employer and may undertake up to 4 months of study or training.

Various reports indicate that during her stay in Melbourne, Mrs Kefalogianni will also meet representatives of the biggest tourist agencies, the Community Bureau and the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) Bureau and Australian politicians.