Memorandum of understanding on working holiday arrangements for Finnish and Australian youth signed

Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja and Australian Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock signed today in Helsinki a memorandum of understanding concerning young people’s working holiday arrangements.

The memorandum, which will allow Finns aged 18-30 to familiarise themselves with the Australian culture and society, will enter into force on 1 May. A temporay residence permit allows young Finns to live in Australia, primarily for holiday purposes. In order to earn money, Finns will be able to work in Australia without a separate work permit. The arrangement also applies to young Australians visiting Finland.

Since a growing number of Finns travel to Australia as well as New Zealand, a similar memorandum will be signed between Finland and New Zealand in the near future. The Finnish proposal is currently being reviewed by the authorities of New Zealand.






Memorandum of understanding (Opens New Window) (PDF 12 kt)
Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Finland and the government of Australia relating to working holiday makers (29 th of April 2002)