Introducing the Pacific Engagement Visa
The Australian government has announced a new permanent resident visa program, the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), designed to foster deeper people-to-people, cultural, business, and educational ties between Australia and participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The PEV program is scheduled to commence in July 2023 and will permit the allocation of up to 3,000 visas annually. These visas, distributed via a ballot process, include partners and dependent children of Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals.
The eligibility criteria for the PEV stipulate that primary applicants must:
Be aged between 18 and 45 years to enter the ballot,
Hold a passport from a participating country,
Have been born in, or have a parent who was born in, a participating country,
Be selected through the ballot process,
Secure a formal full-time job offer in Australia, and
Meet English language, character, and health requirements.
The design and implementation of the PEV are being executed in close collaboration with Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. This consultative approach ensures that the program aligns with the shared needs and priorities of all involved parties.
The PEV offers a host of benefits that make it a significant initiative in bolstering Australia's relationship with its Pacific neighbours:
Facilitating Permanent Migration: The PEV will enable a greater number of Pacific Islanders to migrate permanently to Australia, thereby strengthening the region's multicultural fabric.
Growing the Pacific Diaspora: The new visa program will aid in expanding Australia's Pacific diaspora, enhancing the diverse cultural landscape of the country.
Enhancing People-to-People Connections: The PEV will foster stronger interpersonal links between Australia and the Pacific, promoting a greater sense of community and mutual understanding.
Encouraging Exchange: It will stimulate greater cultural, business, and educational exchange, enriching both Australia and the participating Pacific countries.
The introduction of the Pacific Engagement Visa marks a significant step in Australia's ongoing relationship with the Pacific region. It presents a strategic avenue to fortify ties with our neighbouring countries and contribute to the development of a more prosperous and secure region. This initiative underscores Australia's commitment to fostering enduring partnerships in the Pacific, heralding a new era of increased engagement and cooperation.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.
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