New Delhi, India

Australia has come up with a new visa regime for Indians, the "First Work and Holiday visa". This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) have an extended holiday in Australia and work there to help fund their trip. Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal explained the benefit of it for young Indians seeking to go to Australia. He said, "It's a great opportunity for young Indians to gain some new skills to experience Australian culture at the same time." Full interview:

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WION: What can you tell us about this new category of visa?

Matt Thistlethwaite: The new visa we're launching today for Indians is called the Working Holiday Maker visa. It will allow up to 1000 Indians per year to come to Australia between the ages of 18 and 30 to work, study or travel around Australia and experience Australian culture as part of a broader program. There are 50 nations that participate. Today, we're launching it for the opportunity for young Indians to be part of that program as well.

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WION: Why was it necessary to launch this visa? And you're specifically looking for Indians between 18 and 30. What's the idea behind it?

Matt Thistlethwaite: Comes about as a result of the Australia-India economic trade agreement and expanding opportunities for economic ties between our two nations, and this will provide an opportunity for young Indians to come and experience Australian culture, but at the same time, gain some new skills and get a taste for what life in Australia is all about. 

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WION: What kind of skills are you looking at, which Indians can get from this visa regime? 

Matt Thistlethwaite: There are no restrictions on the industries that young Indians will be able to work in. What we tend to find is that they tend to work in the hospitality industry, the agricultural sector, aged care and a number of service industries where there are skill shortages in Australia. So it's a great opportunity for young Indians to gain some new skills to experience Australian culture at the same time. 

WION: How have Indians in Australia been enriching Australian society?

Matt Thistlethwaite: In our last census, there were close to a million people who claim Indian heritage in Australia. It's one of our fastest-growing populations, and Indians are beloved in Australia. We're about to celebrate Diwali. When I go home, I will celebrate Diwali. It is a great symbol of how Indians have enriched Australian society and culture with your festivals, with your food, with your arts and with your culture. And it's a great thing about living in Australia.