1/9/08
Minister for Foreign Affairs Sam Abal has announced plans to conclude a bilateral arrangement with Australia to facilitate a work and holiday scheme for university students of both countries. This follows discussions between Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd at the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue. Under the arrangement, university students going to Australia on vacation, may apply for this work visa. While in Australia, the students may secure employment for up to six months with any employer and undertake short study up to four months. “Both prime ministers noted that this facility would enable students of our two countries to familiarise themselves with the PNG and Australian way of life, work ethics, tradition and culture as well as to develop networks that will be useful after they graduate,” Mr Abal said.
