Bringing in talent and investment
Australia has recently extended visa options for Hong Kong passport holders, aiming to boost economic growth by attracting international students, skilled workers, and temporary graduates. This move has heightened tensions with China, which views the extension as interference, given new laws in Hong Kong that impose severe penalties for certain actions.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Hong Kongese international students can now access a five-year graduate visa, while skilled workers and temporary graduates receive a five-year extension, aiding their transition to permanent residency.
3 years in Regional Australia
Applicants who study and work in regional areas of Australia are eligible for a pathway to permanent residency after three years, reflecting Australia's strategy to enhance regional development and attract skilled migrants.
Getting past political rifts
Despite the political friction, Australia's humanitarian visa options remain available for those in need.
With a standing reputation of being the 14th largest economy across the globe, Australia has yet again reinforced its economic growth strategy by extending the visas of Hong Kong passport holders that will primarily be applicable to students, temporary graduates and skilled workers.
Morrison’s course of action is directed towards bringing an overall productivity along with the aim of attracting more foreign investors, talents, and companies into the country to further bring employment opportunities. These allows permanent residency pathways for many Hong Kongese.
- International students are now eligible for five-year graduate visa upon completion of studies; towards Permanent Residency application
- Skilled workers and temporary graduates are granted an additional five years of extension, not counting the time they’ve already been in Australia; towards pathway to Permanent Residency after.
- Applicants from Hong Kong who are soon to apply for skilled visas will be granted a five-year validity based on the updated list of skills and requirements on Labour Market Testing.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency after three years is applicable to those applicants who study and work in regional areas. However, the new visa arrangement has created more tension between China and Australia in relation to the new law thrust upon Hong Kong by Beijing. The new law mandates that “crimes of secession, subversion of state of power, terrorism and colluding with foreign countries and external elements” are punishable by penalties and up to life imprisonment. This of course includes ‘foreign interference’ by which China is claiming that the decision for visa extension granted to Hong Kongese is a violation of its international law. Scott Morrison on the other hand didn’t outline any specific humanitarian intakes, but reiterated that humanitarian stream is still available for those who wish to apply through the said channel
Australia extends visa options for Hong Kong passport holders, including five-year graduate and skilled worker visas. Explore pathways to Permanent Residency with expert guidance.
New visa extensions for Hong Kongese aim to boost Australia’s economy and attract talent. Stay informed about the latest changes and opportunities for Permanent Residency.
