Agreement between Australia and Greece on tourist-work permit visa

A bilateral agreement allowing Greek immigrants to work on a tourist visa in Australia was signed yesterday

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, who signed the agreement, said that the agreement will come into effect within the next months after being ratified by the Greek parliament.

Initially, the bilateral agreement refers to 500 young people, mostly students aged between 18 and 30 that will have the possibility to combine a trip to Australia or Greece with work permit for 12 months.

On his part the Australian Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said that if the programme is successful then it may be extended.

The aim of this agreement is to enhance the bonds and the youth mobilization between the two countries.

It should also be noted that Friends of KKE-Melbourne denounced the agreement stating that the signing of an agreement between Greece and Australia will not solve the unemployment problem that both countries face, the rate exceeds 60% in Greece and 20% in Australia.