Malaysians hoping to work in Australia may have to put their plans on hold

Young Malaysians hoping to work and travel in Australia may have to put their plans on hold for now.

The country has temporarily halted applications for its “Work and Holiday” visa programme for Malaysia and 21 other countries.

This has raised concerns over the future of the Working Holiday Maker programme, one of Australia’s longest-running visa programmes, which started in 1975. This programme covers more than 40 partner countries and jurisdictions through two visa streams: “Working Holiday” visa and Work and Holiday visa.

Both allow eligible young adults to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has urged the Australian Government to consider the wider role of the Working Holiday Maker visa, not just its contribution to the workforce.