Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
465. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to modify the upper age limit to 35 years of age for Australian citizens applying for a working holiday visa here, in line with the new Australian working holiday visa regulations (details supplied) which increase eligibility for Irish citizens to 35 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/17]
View answerThis matter is still under consideration by the Australian Government, which is looking at options for expanding the upper age of eligibility for its Working Holiday Visa Programme from 30 to 35 years, including timeframes, legislative requirements and engagement with partner countries.
As there has yet been no change yet to the age of eligibility, it would be premature for me to comment on how Ireland would respond to such a change. The current age of eligibility for Australia’s Working Holiday Visa programme remains between 18 and 30 years of age.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection has noted that reciprocity of arrangements for Australian citizens is a key feature of this programme. Reciprocity of arrangements for Irish citizens is similarly a key feature of Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation programme.
