With the Australian government's continuing push for regional settlement, these changes are only making it more attractive for migrants to settle in regional areas.
Eligible regional areas
Source: Pexels
From November 2019, the Government is expanding the definition of Regional Australia to include all of Australia, excluding metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth.
Migration lawyer Jess Icao says nearby towns outside Australia's major cities which are mostly an hour or so away by train will be eligible for regional visas, including Newcastle, Wollongong and the NSW Central Coast.
New skilled regional provisional visas
The Government also announced two new skilled regional provisional visas, enabling migrants and employers to access additional regional occupations and priority processing of their applications.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa: for people sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: for people who are nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.
There is also an incentive of five additional points for potential migrants looking to settle in regional Australia.
Expansion of working holiday visa scheme
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The expanded working holiday visa allows foreign workers from the Philippines, India, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Andorra, Monaco and Mongolia to come to Australia and work in regional areas.
ALSO READ
“Individuals aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply and family members will not be allowed to accompany them,” says Mr Icao.
Under the expanded visa scheme, Work and Holiday visa holders working in farms in regional areas become eligible for a second and third visa and may be extended for up to three years.
Skilled Migration Occupation List shake-up
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash. Source: AAP
The Government has commenced a review of the skilled migration occupation lists, welcoming feedback from stakeholders, to identify occupations that will fill critical skill shortages in regional Australia.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said the review of the skilled migration occupation list will ensure the government is responsive to the genuine skills needed to boost regional economies.
“As part of the review, my department will consult with industry, employers, unions and individuals in developing advice for the Morrison Government on the occupations required to meet the labour market needs of the Australian economy,” she said.
ALSO READ
