India-Australia Trade Deal To Open Opportunities For Chefs, Yoga Instructors: Piyush Goyal

The India-Australia trade deal would provide a number of opportunities for domestic chefs and yoga instructors in the years to come, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement was inked by Goyal and Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan in a virtual ceremony on Saturday. As part of the agreement, Australia has given an annual quota of 1,800 for qualified, professional Indian traditional chefs and yoga teachers entering the country as contractual service suppliers.

Under this, temporary entry and stay is permissible for a period of up to 4 years, with possibility of further stay.

The quota for chefs and yoga teachers will facilitate movement of these professionals to Australia, subject to meeting relevant eligibility conditions.

The pact, Goyal said, will help skilled people to contribute to each other's economies. "A number of new opportunities will open up for Indian chefs and yoga instructors also in the years to come," he told reporters.

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 wherein 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. 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.