IMPACT – HIGH

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced significant measures for students, graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong who wish to live, work and study in Australia. The visa arrangements will provide opportunities for Hong Kong passport holders to remain in Australia, as well as pathways to apply for permanent residence.

Key Points:

  • Temporary graduate and skilled workers will be offered five years of work rights in Australia in addition to the time they have already been in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
  • Students will be eligible for a five-year graduate visa at the conclusion of their studies, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
  • Future Hong Kong applicants for temporary skilled visas will receive a five-year visa, provided they meet the updated skills list and Labour Market Testing requirements.
  • Existing arrangement will continue to apply for those applicants who study and work in regional areas to help address skills shortages in those areas, with pathways to permanent residency after three years.

Analysis & Comments: The government is seeking to attract talent and companies to Australia to contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation. Deloitte will provide additional updates as they become available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.