New work and holiday agreement with Slovak Republic

Young Aussies and Slovaks can now explore and work in each other's countries under a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement announced today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash.

Minister Bishop, who met and signed the agreement with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák during his three-day visit, said the new arrangement demonstrated the constructive and positive relationship between our two countries.

"This agreement will provide the opportunity for a culturally rich experience for the young adults of Australia and Slovakia and strengthen our already warm people-to-people links," Minister Bishop said.

"The new arrangement will allow up to 200 young people from both countries to enjoy a holiday in each other's country each year, during which they may undertake short term work and study," Minister Cash said.

"Both countries will be working closely over the coming months to implement these changes and to complete all necessary legal and administrative processes to bring this visa into effect."

The work and holiday visa requires applicants to have the support of their government, hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications, and to speak functional English.

The date the change to the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa comes into effect will be made available on the Department's website at www.immi.gov.au.

Foreign Minister Bishop with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák