Indonesians, Australians exchange visa program

Lilian Budianto, The Jakarta post, Jakarta | Fri, 12/19/2008 10:22 AM  

Young Indonesian university graduates could from next year be allowed to apply for a one-year Australian work and holiday visa, pending an agreement by both governments, an Australian Embassy official said Thursday. 

Only applicants aged 18-30 would be eligible, and Australian youths would also be extended the same privileges in Indonesia. 

Australian Embassy spokeswoman Jenny Dee said the reciprocal work and holiday visa would take effect as soon as the relevant administrative arrangements by each country had been finalized. 

"The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries has yet to be confirmed but is expected to take place in the near future," she said. 

The new visa differs from a working holiday visa because it requires each applicant to obtain the support of the government, hold or be studying for a tertiary qualification, and have a good grasp of the language of the host country. 

"This visa arrangement will allow young people from both countries to experience living in different countries," Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. 

Besides Indonesia, a number of other countries also have similar work and holiday visa arrangements with Australia, including the United States, Bangladesh, Chile, Turkey and Thailand. 

Both governments have proposed an annual quota of 100 work and holiday visas that will be reviewed annually. 

The visa initiative, first announced back in August, was on the agenda during the ninth ministerial meeting between the two countries in Canberra on Nov. 12. 

There are around 16,000 Indonesians studying in Australia at present, and around 300,000 Australian tourists visit Indonesia each year. 

Around 16,000 Australians currently live in Indonesia.