PACIFIC AUSTRALIA LABOUR MOBILITY SCHEME CHANGES
The government recently announced changes to the above scheme, including:
- A streamlined single application process;
- Increasing the number of regions in Australia that can recruit these workers;
- Increasing the validity period for labour market testing from 6 months to 12 months;
- Doubling recruitment caps for Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) approved employers with a good record and financial capacity;
- Enabling accommodation businesses such as hotels and resorts to employ SWP workers across rural and regional Australia;
- Permitting Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) workers who have spent 3 years in Australia to continue to work for an additional 12 months while COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place;
- Continuing the existing COVID-related flexibile measures which allow redeployments of workers to another approved employer, subject to labour market testing and welfare considerations, allowing them to extend their stay onshore;
- Removing the upper age limit of 45 years for PLS workers, to align with the age criteria for the SWP, therefore allowing all workers over the age of 21 to participate.
INVESTOR AND SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR STREAMS OPEN IN VICTORIA
Skilled and Business Migration Victoria have provided an information update on the SC 188B and 188C visa streams. The visa nomination programs are now open for these streams.
There have been significant changes to the program, consistent with the Department’s changes to the investment requirements for these subclasses:
Investor (188B)
- Complying investments of A$2.5million (held for the duration of the provisional visa);
- Minimum SkillSelect points score of 80;
- No requirement to make any additional investments;
- No requirement to invest in Designated Investment Bonds;
- All complying Venture Capital and Private Growth Equity funds (VCPE) investments must be made into Victorian based funds.
Significant Investor (188C)
- Updated Complying Investment Framework for complying investments of A$5 million (held for the duration of the provisional visa);
- All complying Venture Capital and Private Growth Equity funds (VCPE) investments must be made into Victorian based funds.
COVID VACINATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The NSW and Victorian governments have announced programs to enable simplified access to COVID-19 vaccinations.
In NSW a vaccination website has been launched for international students.
In Victoria, international students can book an appointment at the Melbourne Town Hall vaccination centre online at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
Alternatively a booking can be made by calling the Hotline on 1800 675 398.
A Medicare card is not necessary for international students to obtain a vaccination.
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.