Flashermac Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 THE NATION 23 Nov 2005 Aussies launch work-holiday visas The Australian Embassy in Bangkok granted the new Work and Holiday Visa to the first young Thai recipient yesterday. The aim of the new visa programme is to allow Thai and Australian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to work in each other's countries while on holidays so that they can better enjoy the cultural experience. The programme is part of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. "The scheme will boost understanding between the two countries," said Australian Ambassador to Thailand William Paterson. He attended a ceremony at the Bangkok embassy to mark the presentation of the first visa to Wannaporn Thanatkha, 24, a bachelor's degree holder from Khon Kaen University. Visa holders will be allowed to stay up to 12 months from the date they arrive and undertake casual work, study and training during that period. They are permitted to stay a maximum of only three months with one employer or institution to encourage them to move around and see the country. "They [visa holders] don't have to work at all unless they want to. But with this scheme they can be exposed to learning the language in a real work place, get extra money and have holidays," said David Merz, Australia's first secretary for immigration. Only 100 places will be available for both Thai and Australian applicants in the first year. The number of visas may be increased later, he said. "We'll see what the demand is and we can always go back to the negotiating table to look at expanding it," he said. The Work and Holiday Visa applicants must complete tertiary education and have a good command of spoken English. An IELTS score result of 4.5 is preferable. If the English test score is not submitted, an education background or previous English-language experience will be looked into and an interview will be required. The application process will take three or four weeks and will cost Bt5,000. Wannaporn will leave for Sydney in early December. "My primary aim is to practise English and travel around the country," said the computer science graduate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torneyboy Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 Sounds good....see what happens down the track Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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