India-Australia and United Kingdom – Australia Trade Agreements
The India-Australia and United Kingdom-Australia Free Trade Agreements were passed by the Australian Parliament this month.
Measures related to migration contained in these agreements, include 1000 Working Holiday Maker visas available for 1000 Indian nationals. The UK agreement will remove the regional work component for UK nationals and increases the eligible age to 35 years.
Additional exemptions to labour market testing will also come into effect as with other ITO agreements.
All countries involved are required to ratify the agreements through their own legislative processes before the agreements can come into operation.
State and Territory Updates
South Australia
Provisional subclass 491 visa – threshold work experience criteria:
- You have been working in your nominated occupation, or a related occupation, for the last 12 months in Greater Adelaide, or 6 months in regional South Australia;
- Greater Adelaide applicants – work experience must be full-time (at least 35 hours per week or 70 hours per fortnight);
- Regional South Australia applicants – work experience must be at least 30 hours per week or 60 hours per fortnight.
Note: Please check the Migration SA website for the latest information.
Tasmania
Migration Tasmania has opened its Subclass 190 and Subclass 419 programs for all eligible candidates to register their interest, after its earlier staged opening for ‘Gold and Green’ pass candidates only.
COVID-19 Pandemic event – Subclass 408 – update to conditions
The following updates and clarification of conditions include:
- the Department of Home Affairs intends to implement a less restrictive policy on visa condition 8107 (work limitation) for these visa holders, due to ongoing labour and skills shortage, which allows for unrestricted work.
- these visa applicants and holders may change employment and work for more than one employer. There is no need to contact the Department to advise of changes in employment.
- visa holders working in Australia should continue to work while they have their SC 408 visa. If they are no longer employed, they should find new employment or make arrangements to leave Australia.
This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.