40,000 Indians vying for 1,000 temporary Aussie adventure visas

New Delhi: Australia’s doors are swinging open for young Indian travellers! The country’s new Working Holiday Maker visa program, offering 1,000 coveted spots for 18 to 30-year-olds, has sparked a frenzy of applications. A whopping 40,000 Indians have already thrown their hats in the ring, hoping to secure the chance to work, study and explore Australia for a year.

Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, who officially launched the program in New Delhi, described the initiative as a “key step” in strengthening ties between Australia and India. He highlighted the program’s potential to inspire future visits, noting that it could lead to further education or skilled work opportunities down the line.

“The great thing about the Working Holiday Maker visa is that there are no restrictions on the jobs you can do,” Thistlethwaite told PTI. While many participants are expected to work in hospitality and agriculture, the program also encourages the exploration of short courses and English language improvement.

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“The (Australian) Prime Minister used his experience and friendship with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to ensure improved and increased opportunities for young people from both communities to experience each other’s cultures,” he said.

The ballot process, which opened on October 1st and concludes at the end of the month, will randomly select the lucky 1,000 applicants. Those chosen will be able to apply for their temporary visas and begin their Australian adventure early next year.

This initiative isn’t just about work experience; it’s about cultural exchange. Thistlethwaite, drawing on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s own backpacking journey through India as a young student, emphasised the program’s ability to foster understanding and appreciation between the two nations.

“Our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, when he was a young university student, he backpacked around India. And in those young formative years, it was a great opportunity for him to experience another culture and to learn about the most populous democracy in the world,” Thistlethwaite added.