- The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
- The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards delivering on its commitment to strengthen Australia's ties with the Pacific family.
A new Pacific Engagement Visa will allow up to 3,000 nationals of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year.
Boosting Pacific permanent migration to Australia is an essential part of the Government's plan to build a stronger Pacific family.
The Pacific Engagement Visa will grow Australia's Pacific and Timor-Leste diaspora, enhance people-to-people links, and encourage greater cultural, business and educational exchange.
Legislation introduced into Parliament today by the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, will enable a ballot to select applicants for the program, commencing in July 2023.
Applicants will register themselves, their partners and dependent children in the ballot, and if successful they will then apply for the visa, providing fair and transparent access to the program.
Requirements for being granted a visa include being aged 18 to 45, having a formal offer for a full time job in Australia, and meeting basic English language, health and character requirements.
The Pacific Engagement Visa is being designed in close consultation with Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, to ensure the program meets shared needs and priorities.
