As part of Australia’s response to a new security law enacted in Hong Kong last week, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison yesterday announced several changes that will allow Hong Kong citizens to extend their stay in Australia.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Hong Kong citizens who hold a Skilled or Graduate Visa will be able to extend their stay by five years, followed by a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR). This is effective immediately.
- Current or future Student Visa holders from Hong Kong will now also be able to stay for five years after graduating, followed by a pathway to PR.
- A new five-year temporary skilled visa and pathway to PR will be available for future skilled migrants from Hong Kong. Applicants will need to be suitably skilled and qualified according to an updated skills list and market testing.
- A direct pathway to PR will be available to visa holders from Hong Kong after three years of study or work in regional areas.
- Australia’s extradition agreement with Hong Kong has now been suspended.
- Hong Kong-based businesses wishing to establish their business in Australia will also be welcomed to help boost job creation.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advice for Hong Kong and warned of an ‘increased risk of detention’.
If you have any migration concerns, especially about the Hong Kong Visa Australia, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team of Registered Migration Agents are here to support you – simply contact us at [email protected] or +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858).
You may also be interested in understanding how the current COVID-19 pandemic impacts Australian visa and travel arrangements at this time. Please visit our COVID-19 FAQs for Visa Holders to find out more or get in touch if you have any questions.
Source:
Press Conference – Prime Minister, Scott Morrison
SBS News
