Australian Government announces scheme to help Hong Kong students in need of a lifeline
After discussions with key stakeholders in Australia, Hong Kong Watch welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government will create a pathway to citizenship for Hong Kongers who study in Australia, through the creation of a five-year graduate visa program which will allow them to work in the country.
The Australian Government’s announcement applies not only to those Hong Kongers who are currently studying in the country, but also to future students. The Australian Government will be reopening its visa application centre in Hong Kong, to encourage Hong Kongers to take up this offer to study and work as a pathway to citizenship in Australia.
New measures include:
Temporary graduate and skilled workers will be offered an additional five years of work rights in Australia on top of the time they’ve already been in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
Current and Future students will be eligible for a five year graduate visa from 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 be provided with a five year visa, based on meeting the updated skills lists 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 3 years.
Commenting on the scheme, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Director said:
“This is a welcome and generous offer by the Australian Government to current and future students from Hong Kong, who are in need of a lifeline as a result of the imposition of the draconian National Security Law.
As the Australian Prime Minister has rightly said, Hong Kongers have much to offer Australia and it is right that governments who support democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, ensure that Hong Kongers have the option of living and studying abroad.
We hope that other countries will follow the example set by the British and Australian Government and participate in our International Lifeboat campaign by offering similar schemes which will ensure that all Hong Kongers in need of a lifeline have one.”