Australia reduces working holiday visa numbers

The Australian government has announced a significant reduction in the number of working holiday visas available, cutting the intake from 31,000 to 5,000. Under the new rules, prospective travelers will be required to pay hundreds of dollars to enter a lottery-style ballot for a chance to secure a visa.

Officials stated the change is intended to shift the intake toward skilled migrants who are perceived to provide greater economic value to the country. The decision comes as Australia adjusts its migration policies, impacting backpackers and young travelers who have traditionally used these visas to work and travel throughout the region.