MANILA - The Australian Embassy in Manila believes that the new reciprocal Work and Holiday visa for Australians and Filipinos will support a stronger economic, cultural and people-to-people links between the two countries.

The new visa was announced during the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Manila last week, where he met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

During the visit, the Philippines and Australia formalized their “strategic partnership” in security, counterterrorism, law enforcement, education, climate change and people-to-people cooperation.

The visit was the first by an Australian prime minister since 2003, the Australian Embassy said.

The visa allows people aged 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to help fund their trip for up to 12 months.

According to the Embassy, the visa will allow the traveller do short-term work in Australia to help pay for their holiday; study for up to four months; and travel to and from Australia as many times as they want.

Basic requirements listed on the official website of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship states that the applicant must have a passport from an eligible country; be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive); must apply for a visa from outside Australia; must not be accompanied by dependent children and not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 or 417 visa. If previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa, applicant must check the second Work and Holiday visa.