New Australian Visa and Priority Arrangements for Hong Kong Nationals
There has been significant political unrest in Hong Kong for over a year now. In response to the latest development involving new security laws being imposed in Hong Kong, Australia is on the move to offer new “safe-haven” type visas to Hong Kong residents currently in Australia. As a first step, the Government has suspended the extradition agreement with Hong Kong.
The Cabinet assessed the proposal last night and will also consider boosting skills and investor stream places for those seeking to leave Hong Kong. Earlier today, the Prime Minister announced several important announcements regarding new arrangements (especially priority processing) for Hong Kong nationals.
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) visa will be extended to 5 years for Hong Kong nationals. For those who are already in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa, they will be extended for a further 5 years from today.
There will be pathway(s) to permanent residency at the end of the 5 years
HK nationals will receive priority processing
A visa can be requested for up to 5 years (subject to skill shortages in a particular occupation). This is instead of the usual maximum duration of 4 years.
Existing requirements will still need to be met
There will be pathway(s) to permanent residency for Hong Kong nationals subject to meeting an updated skills list
Those with an intention to study and work in regional areas, there will be an express pathway(s) to permanent residency
HK nationals will receive priority assessment
Export-oriented business based in Hong Kong will receive priority consideration. The visa applications for its ‘crucial staffs’ will also be prioritized. These visas will have pathway(s) to permanent residency.
Student visa holders can request for a stay period of up to 5 years on the student visa
Global Talent program is still expected to attract highly skilled individuals. Priority will be provided to Hong Kong nationals and more resources will be allocated to accommodate this.
Media businesses, financial services, consultancy businesses who are looking to relocate headquarters the Australian Government will be developing incentives to do so, with a packaged visa for the relocation of such businesses
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are a Hong Kong national who wish to leave the country in the midst of the protests and arrests, please contact us. Our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents are highly trained and are on standby to assist you. You can contact us on info@ahclawyers.com or call us on 02 7200 2700.
We speak fluent English, Korean, Burmese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter
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