The working holiday visa has been a popular stepping stone to the 457 visa and subsequently a permanent residence visa. Many skilled working holiday visa holders with carefully prepared and planned migration pathways have successfully made the transition. Australia has been promising to expand the program and has already added Greece, Poland, Spain and Portugal to the list this year. Now, Israel joins the list.

On 22 October 2014, Australia and Israel announced that a new Work and Holiday Memorandum of Understanding was signed, establishing a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) arrangement between the two countries.

This arrangement, when brought into effect, will allow up to 500 young adults from Israel and up to 500 young adults from Australia to enjoy a holiday in each other’s country, during which they may undertake short term work and study, according to DIBPs media release.

In the coming months, Australia and Israel will work closely together to implement the necessary legal and administrative processes to bring this visa into effect. The work and holiday arrangement will not commence until a start date has been agreed by both countries.

Once a commencement date has been announced, eligible young adults from Israel and Australia will be able to apply for this visa.

Commenting on the new arrangement, Senator Michaelia Cash said, 'Australia's working holiday maker programme is built on the principle that global experiences build global citizens, and that the chance to experience life overseas is an important opportunity to build new skills and develop an appreciation of another culture,' Minister Cash said

'Having spent 18 very memorable months in Israel myself I am thrilled that this new arrangement will allow other young Australians to experience this fascinating country' added Minister Cash

Australia's Working Holiday Maker visa program grew by close to 16% last year with the grant of over 258,000 visas. Minister Scott Morrison is looking to expand the program further saying that the program significantly benefits the economy in general and is of particular importance to the hospitality and tourism sectors. DIBP is currently in the process of negotiating new and more liberalised Working Holiday Maker visa arrangements with thirteen new partner countries including Mexico, Hungary, Vietnam, San Marino, the Czech Republic, Latvia, the Slovak Republic and Andorra.