By The Philippines and Australia have signed an agreement allowing nationals of both countries to seek employment while on vacation for a non-extendable period of 12 months, the Palace said Sunday.
According to the memorandum of understanding signed during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official visit last Friday, both countries agreed to issue multiple entry visas allowing its citizens to work during their stay.
“The participants mutually decide to establish a ‘Work and Holiday’ visa arrangement, to allow nationals of both Participants to stay in the territory of the other Participant for the primary purpose of a holiday, during which they may undertake work to supplement the cost of their stay,” according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office, quoting the MOU.
The visa arrangement is open to Filipino and Australian nationals who are 18 to 31 years old; who have graduated from tertiary education or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education; have passed health, character and national security requirements; and have medical and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The MOU also states that those who hold work and holiday visas and who will work during their stay will be covered by the diplomatic labor laws of the host government as local workers, subject to the employment conditions.
The MOU will take effect on a date mutually determined by both parties and will be valid for an indefinite period of time unless terminated by written notice through diplomatic channels.