Government announces special visa measures for Hong Kong passport holders

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.

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