With the significant political unrest in Hong Kong for the last year, which resulted in new security laws being imposed in Hong Kong at the beginning of 2021. The Australian government has suspended the extradition agreement with Hong Kong and moved to offer new “safe-haven” type visas to Hong Kong residents currently in Australia.
The Australian Government are also consider boosting skills and investor stream places for those seeking to leave Hong Kong, with new arrangements focused on priority processing for Hong Kong nationals. Temporary Graduates (Visa Subclass 485) will be extended to 5 years for Hong Kong nationals, with those already in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa benefiting from an extension of a further 5 years from the day of announcement and pathway/s to permanent residency at the end of the 5 year period.
Temporary Skilled Work Visa
Key Points:
- Hong Kong nationals will receive priority processing.
- Existing requirements will still need to be met.
- Instead of the usual maximum duration of 4 years, a visa can be requested for up to 5 years (if aligned with the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) which addresses skill shortages in particular occupations).
- There will be various pathway/s to permanent residency subject to alignment with the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
- Those Hong Kong nationals with an intention to study and work in regional areas, there will be an express pathway/s to permanent residency.
Business and Investment visas
Key Points:
- Hong Kong nationals will receive priority assessment.
- Export-oriented business based in Hong Kong will receive priority consideration, with prioritisation of visa applications for its ‘crucial staffs’. These visas will have pathway/s to permanent residency.
- Hong Kong business who are looking to relocate headquarters to Australia will be incentivised by the Australian Government, offering packaged visa for the relocation of business in the following specific sectors of media, consultancies and financial services.
Student visas
Key Points:
- Student visa holders can request for an extension of up to 5 years on the student visa.
- There will be various pathway/s to permanent residency subject to alignment with the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
Global Talent
Key Points:
- Priority will be provided to Hong Kong nationals, with more resources promised to accommodate this.