- In the 12 months leading up to July last year, over 21,000 Irish citizens received Australian working holiday visas, marking the highest figures in at least 16 years, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- The number of visas granted to Irish citizens almost doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 21,525 and surpassing even the figures from the peak of the 2008 recession.
- Travel experts anticipate a further increase in visa applications this year, attributing the trend to higher salaries and a better standard of living in Australia.
Over 21,000 Irish citizens received Australian working holiday visas in the 12 months leading up to July last year, thus accounting for the highest recorded figures in at least 16 years, according to the figures from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The same noted that a total of 21,525 visas were granted to Irish citizens for a period between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, accounting for nearly double those registered in the previous year when 10,491 working holiday visas were allocated, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
During the peak of the recession in 2008, only 12,847 visas were granted. At present, travel experts predict even more visas will be given this year, with higher salaries as well as a better standard of living attracting many young people to go to Australia.
In the past five years, emigration has been notably increasing in Ireland, with more than 11,077 visas granted for a period between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.
According to a report from Sunday World, a slight decrease in visa approvals during the pandemic was noted, with 8,787 working holiday visas granted to Irish citizens; however, travel experts expect a further increase in applications this year,
Based on a report from the Irish Times, Visa First’s business development manager, Nune Troy, said that the number of Irish people heading to Australia could increase by at least another 30 per cent in this year.
Troy said that there has been a significant increase from 2022 onwards while expressing her expectations that the number of people applying for working holiday visas is going to increase more and more this year. She added that at Visa First’s company alone, there had been a total of 1,500 applications last year.
“There are just more opportunities in the jobs market and better money, but I think it’s the cost of living and housing situation as well in the big cities like Dublin. Since Australia relaxed its visa regulations in 2022 after the pandemic, Irish citizens up to 35 years of age can now apply for a working holiday visa, whereas before, the maximum age was 30. So, I think this has also increased numbers.” Troy
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is created for young adults who plan to vacation and also work in Australia for a period of a maximum of three years.
The visa promotes cultural exchange and also strengthens connections between Australia and eligible countries. Those interested are eligible to apply for three Working Holiday visas, known as the first, second and third visas, each permitting a 12-month stay.