Australian businesses looking to hire or retain workers from the UK will benefit from July, as the age limit for UK passport holders is increased under new arrangements for the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.

The new measures begin as part of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) effective today, alongside similar measures for Australians planning to work in the UK. Great Britain.

Under the new rules, UK passport holders will be able to apply for a WFM visa between the ages of 18 and 35, reflecting a five-year increase from the current maximum age of 30.

From 1 July 2024, travelers with a UK passport will also be eligible for a WFM visa for a total period of up to three years without having to meet any specific work requirements.

New arrangements under the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) will include similar improved eligibility provisions for Australians working in the UK and allow for an extension of the market third year if desired.

“The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will not only significantly benefit the Australian economy and strengthen the already close relationship with the UK, but will also increase opportunities for young Australians and the public. UK people live and work in each country,” said Senator Don Farrell.

“The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement reflects the Government’s commitment to diversifying trade and easing cost-of-living pressures for Australians.

“The new arrangements will complement medium and long-term efforts to address skills shortages in the country through education, training and industry reform in Australia.”

The contribution of British nationals to Australia’s business scene is enormous and anecdotally this publication receives numerous promotional stories weekly involving UK nationals who have established companies. you here.

There are countless examples within the Young Entrepreneur Awards initiative alone and while we would certainly miss some very high-achieving UK-born founders, examples include Jonathan Dwayre of Orbitz Elevators, Michael Johnson of Zoomo, Ryan Tuckwood and Jack Corbett of SWISH Sales Coaching, Chris Morrissey of Ever Nimble, James Farrell and Aden Levin of Viral Ventures, Beau Savage of Smart Energy and Paul Eastwood of Argon & Co. .

Other notable British-Australian entrepreneurs include Maxine Horne, founder of Vita Group (ASX: VTG), founder of Flora & Fauna, Julie Mathers, Shark Tank’s ‘shark’ Andrew Banks, etc.