33% surge in Australian working-holiday visas for Irish

Statistics from Australia are showing a 33% increase in working-holiday visas issues to Irish people.

The figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship show the number of 18-to-30-year-olds taking up a one-year visa has increased to 22,788 visas for the year to June 30, up from 17,120.

Australia's unemployment rate is 5.8%.

The basic requirements for an Australian working-holiday visa is that applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, with a valid passport with at least one year until renewal, and enough funds to support themselves for an initial period when they arrive in Australia.

There is also a health and character requirement, as applicants must not have any substantial criminal convictions or substantial medical issues.