Joint media release with The Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Julie Bishop MP and The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, The Hon. Alex Hawke MP

Young Australians and Sanmarinese can now explore and work in each other's countries under a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa arrangement announced today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Alex Hawke MP.

Minister Bishop, who met and signed the agreement with  Minister Pasquale Valentini, San Marino's Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs while in New York during her official duties at the United Nations General Assembly Leaders Week, said the new arrangement demonstrated the constructive and positive relationship between the two countries.

"This agreement will provide the opportunity for a culturally rich experience for the young adults of Australia and San Marino and strengthen our already warm people-to-people links," Minister Bishop said.

Assistant Minister Hawke said the new arrangement would allow up to 100 young people a year from each country to enjoy a holiday, during which they may undertake short term work and study.

"Both countries will be working closely over the coming months to implement these changes and to complete all necessary legal and administrative processes to bring this visa into effect," Assistant Minister Hawke said.

The Work and Holiday visa requires applicants to have the support of their government, hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications, and to speak functional English.

Australia currently has reciprocal working holiday agreements in place with 35 countries. 

The date when the change to the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) comes into effect will be made available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's website at www.border.gov.au.