1,800 Indian chefs and yoga instructors to receive 4-year visas under the Australia India treaty

Ø Trade Agreement between India and Australia

• A total of 1,800 Indian chefs and yoga instructors will receive 4 year visas under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which entered force on March 30.
• Under this, temporary entry and stay is permissible for a period of up to 4 years, with possibility of further stay.
• One must meet relevant eligibility criteria to enter Australia under this agreement.
• The quota for chefs and yoga teachers will facilitate movement of these professionals to Australia, subject to meeting relevant eligibility conditions.
  
  
• Expectations of the Agreement

• The agreement is expected to strengthen the India-Australia trade from $31 billion to over $45-50 billion in five years. The Indian goods on all tariff lines will access the Australian market at zero customs duty under the pact. While Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) is expected to increase exports to Australia to $15 billion by 2025. While the services will go up to US$ 10 billion by 2025.

Ø Impact of the pact on the Indians

• The pact will also benefit more than 1 lakh Indian students from the post-study work visas for up to 4 years on a reciprocal basis.
• The agreement is also expected to recognize professional qualifications as well as other occupations mutually. With this, a Mutual Recognition Agreement in different fields such as nursing and architecture, between professionals from India and Australia will continue and enable these workers to move between these two countries.
• Further, work and holiday visa with multiple entry has been offered by Australia to 1,000 young Indians (18-30 years) for a period of one year where in they can undertake study or training for up to four months (17 weeks) or undertake paid or unpaid employment for the entire duration of their stay in Australia, generally for up to six months with any one employer. These young Indians will work while on holiday for a year through a Work & Holiday visa, also known as a backpacker visa.
• The pact would also provide post study work visa of 2-4 years for Indian students on reciprocal basis, based on different courses.
• Australia has agreed to maintain certain opportunities for former students to live, study and work in the country temporarily after finishing their studies.
• The minister further said detailed provisions to pursue mutual recognition of professional services and other licensed/regulated occupations have been agreed upon.

• Eligibility criteria for Indian chef and yoga instructor in Australia

Indian Chef:

• Qualifications: Indian chefs must have a formal qualification in commercial cookery or a related field, as well as specialized knowledge and skills in Indian cuisine.
• Experience: Relevant work experience in a commercial kitchen, particularly in preparing Indian dishes, is preferred by most employers.
• Skills: Indian chefs must have extensive knowledge of Indian spices, flavors, and cooking techniques. They must also be able to work under pressure and manage a team.
• Work visa: Indian citizens will need a valid work visa to work as a chef in Australia. There are different types of work visas available depending on the nature of the job and the individual’s circumstances.

Yoga Instructor:

• Qualifications: Yoga instructors from India must have a certification from a recognized yoga school or institution, as well as specialized knowledge and skills in Indian yoga practices.
• Experience: Relevant work experience as a yoga instructor, particularly in teaching Indian yoga practices, is preferred by most employers.
• Skills: Indian yoga instructors must have extensive knowledge of Indian yoga traditions, practices, and philosophy. They must also be able to tailor their teaching style to suit the needs of different individuals and groups.
• Work visa: Indian citizens will need a valid work visa to work as a yoga instructor in Australia. There are different types of work visas available depending on the nature of the job and the individual’s circumstances.