MANILA: The Australian government is launching its work and holiday visa for Filipino nationals "in the coming months," the Australian Embassy in Manila said Thursday. 'Both countries are now undertaking the administrative arrangements necessary before launching the program in the coming months,' it said in a statement, citing the Australia Department of Home Affairs. The Embassy said the start date and other details would be published as soon as arrangements are finalized, including the advice to Filipino passport holders on how to get a Letter of Concurrence (LoC) from the Philippine government. The new program for Filipinos follows the signing of the Australia-Philippines Memorandum of Understanding for a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa arrangement last September 2023. The scheme will allow up to 200 Filipinos aged 18 years to 30 years to have an extended holiday in Australia, and do short-term work to help fund their trip; study for up to four months; or do three months of "specified subclass 462 " work to become eligible for a second work and holiday visa. In the inaugural Philippine-Australia Bilateral Consular Consultation (BCC) in Makati on July 24, the two states discussed the scheme and also explored opportunities for collaboration on significant consular trends, including e-Apostilles and education. In addition, the two sides expressed interest to negotiate an agreement on consular notification and access (CNA) and cooperation agreements related to crisis response. The countries also discussed issues relevant to the welfare of Filipino nationals in Australia, particularly bridging programs for students and recognition of licensed Filipino professionals. Source : Philippines News agency