Regional Australian businesses will soon have access to more workers, thanks to an increase in the number of Work and Holiday visa places available to young people from Vietnam.
As confirmed by the Prime Minister in Vietnam today, from 2 September, the number of places available to Vietnam will increase from 200 to 1,500, meaning more people who can holiday, study and work here, particularly in regional areas.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman, said the increase would maximise the benefits for both nations of the already successful program.
"Demand for the Work and Holiday visas from Vietnamese nationals has been strong since the agreement began in 2017, with all 200 places allocated in the past two program years," Mr Coleman said.
"We look forward to welcoming more young Vietnamese nationals to Australia to boost our people-to-people links and provide more workers for farmers and other regional businesses."
Vietnamese Work and Holiday visa holders can undertake work in approved industries in certain occupations in regional Australia to become eligible for a second and third Work and Holiday visa.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the increase would encourage more Vietnamese nationals to choose Australia for a working holiday.
"We've seen Vietnamese visitor numbers to Australia grow by 10 per cent over the past year, and this is an opportunity to continue to capitalise on this emerging tourism market," Minister Birmingham said.
"Work and holiday makers generally stay longer, spend more money in Australia and travel further into regional areas than most other international visitors, supporting Australian jobs in tourism and hospitality."
The Work and Holiday visa requires first-time Vietnamese applicants to hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications and to speak a functional level of English.
Australia's Working Holiday Maker program currently has arrangements in place with 44 countries, across the globe.
