New immigration framework with Uruguay

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Created on Friday, 30 November 2012 15:57

Written by Editorial staff

A new work and holiday agreement between Australia and Uruguay will see citizens from those nations enjoy extended holidays in each other's countries.

Announced by immigration and citizenship minister Chris Bowen and the Uruguayan ambassador to Australia, Alberto Farjado, the memorandum of understanding for the work and holiday immigration visas were signed in parliament house yesterday.

The immigration minister stated: "The agreement provides for university educated Australian and Uruguayan travellers aged between 18 and 30 years old to work and holiday in each other's country for up to 12 months.

"This work and holiday agreement will enable young people to immerse themselves in a new and different cultural experience, while also fostering dialogue and economic ties between Australia and Uruguay.

He went on to say that this is one step further in solidifying Australia's mutually beneficial relationship with the South American nation, which is based on tourism links, shared interests and economic cooperation.

However, there will be a cap of 200 enforced on the number of visas issued for working and holidaying by both countries.

Mr Bowen added that over the coming months, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be liaising with the Uruguayan government to make this new system a reality so that citizens of both nations will be able to enjoy it as quickly as possible.

Other nations that Australia has this reciprocal agreement with include:

►Argentina
►Bangladesh
►Chile
►Indonesia
►Malaysia
►Papua New Guinea
►Thailand
►Turkey
►United States of America

This new work and holiday visa, which is a 462 subclass, is different from a working holiday visa (417), Mr Bowen pointed out, adding that the latter document requires government support, tertiary education and a grasp of English.

It comes as the shadow immigration minister Scott Morrison said that he will visit Manus Island and Nauru next week (December 2 onwards) and analyse how the offshore processing system is being handled.

Mr Morrison said that around two months ago, he approached the immigration minister to seek permission to travel to these locations - a request that was rejected. The shadow spokesperson has since made private arrangements and this upcoming visit is the culmination of those arrangements.

He went on to say that he has made recent contact with Mr Bowen, informing him of the upcoming visit and is seeking his cooperation to facilitate meetings with Australian officials on both islands so that discussions relating to offshore processing matters can occur.