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Australia's immigration department has announced that Bangladesh and Australia have signed a work and holiday agreement, allowing young professionals to work in each other's countries.
University-trained Australian and Bangladeshi travellers aged between 18 and 30 will be able to work and holiday for up to 12 months.
'The work and holiday visa agreement means young people from the two countries wishing to travel and experience different lifestyles and cultures will now be able to work to subsidise their holiday,' Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, said today.
'The work and holiday visa is different to a working holiday maker visa arrangement, in that it requires an applicant to have the support of their government, hold post-secondary qualifications, or have successfully completed two years of undergraduate studies, and have some English ability.
'Australia is a popular destination for Bangladeshi travellers, with 2195 tourist visas granted to Bangladeshi nationals in 2004-05,' the Minister said.
The work and holiday visa arrangement will become effective when legal procedures by both nations have been completed.
There will be an annual limit of 100 visas on both sides; however, this figure will be reviewed annually.
