New work, study and holiday arrangement between Australia and Greece

As of July 1, it will be easier for young Australians to work, study and holiday in Greece, as the bilateral agreement between Australia and Greece will go into effect.

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. David Coleman made the announcement on Monday, stating that "Australia enjoys a great friendship with Greece and there has been much interest from Greece in participating in the Work and Holiday visa program. This announcement will provide more opportunities for work and cultural exchange between our nations."

The agreement which has been in the works since 2014, was finalised during the visit of Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Terens Quick, to Australia.

With the new arrangement, 500 places will be made available annually for young Australians and Greeks to live abroad in each other's country for 12 months under the 462 visa.

The Work and Holiday visa requires first-time Greek applicants to hold or be studying towards territory qualifications and to have a functional level of English.

Greek nationals would need to undertake specified work in regional areas during their first visa to be eligible for a second working visa. The option to extend their visas to a third year will be available, if they perform six months of regional work in the second year.