1,800 Indian Chefs and Yoga Instructors to Receive Australia Visas

With the help of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), 1,800 Indian chefs and yoga teachers are expected to receive four-year visas, which have been effective since 30 March 2023.

As per the signed treaty document, 1,800 per year of qualified, professional Indian traditional chefs and yoga instructors will be granted temporary entry and temporary stay as the Contractual Service Suppliers of India. The document further stated that the temporary stay allows individuals to stay for a period of 4 years, with the possibility of extension.

Signed in December 2022, the India-Australia pact is expected to hike up the total bilateral trade between the two countries from AUD 31 billion to AUD 45-50 billion in the next five years.

Also Read: Australia to Reduce Processing Lag in Visa Applications from Indian Students, Workers

Some of the highlights of the India-Australia ECTA treaty include:

• Australia will make arrangements for around 1,000 eligible Indian nationals between the ages of 18-30 to apply for work and holiday visas, i.e. Backpacker Visas. This will allow the Indians to enter and live in the country for one year, and engage in short-term work or study-related activities. As per reports, Australia currently holds the same treaty with 47 other countries as well, in a bid to fill the labour gaps.

• 100,000 Indian students will become eligible for post-study work visas, valid for up to 4 years on a reciprocal basis.

• Mutual recognition of professional qualifications such as nursing, architecture and other professionals will take place between the two countries. This will allow the easier ability for professionals from both countries to work in either country as well.

Also Read: Students Demand Clarity on USA Visa Prior to Fall 2023 Admission

In March 2023, Australia announced the benefits of the extension of the Australian Work Visa for Indian students. According to the report, the extension would allow international students, especially Indian students in Australia to get jobs in the country. The extension highlighted the reintroduction of the work-hour limit while announcing the extension of the post-study stay for select international students.

In addition to this, the Australian PM also announced the recognition of Australian degrees which have been completed in India. Among the India-Australia education qualification recognition mechanism, it was also announced that Indian students earning an Australian degree will have their Australian qualifications recognised in India as well.

Source: Money Control