BNE Labour Solutions

Media release - Student visa arrangements for those impacted by COVID

The Hon Ministers Alan Tudge and Dan Tehan have released a joint media statement outlining the arrangements to be put in place for student visa applicants and student visa holders who have been impacted by the COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The release notes five visa changes:

Grants of student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia will recommence, so visa holders will be ready to travel when borders reopen

Free VACs for international students who lodge further student visa applications, if they were unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19

Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be have that study counted towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa

Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia, if they are unable to return due to COVID-19

Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services

Business Innovation and Investment Programs - closures

A number of state and territories have also exhausted their allocation of places for their Business Innovation and Investment Programs.

New South Wales

NSW is unable to accept applications for the BIIP until the new program year commences on 1st July 2020. This includes the Subclass 188 (A,B,C,E) and Subclass 132 (Significant Business History) streams.

Applications for the Subclasses 188A and 188C Extensions, and Subclasses 888A, B and C streams may still be lodged.

Queensland

The BSMQ Business Program remains closed. Applications for the following subclasses were suspended on 2 January 2020: Subclasses 188 (A,B,C,E) and Subclasses 132 – Significant Business History and Venture Capital Entrepreneur streams

Queensland will still be processing applications completed prior to this date.

Victoria

From 9 April 2020, Victoria’s Subclasses 132 and 188 visa nomination program will be paused for the remainder of 2019-20 and no new nomination applications accepted.

Processing will continue for applications received prior to this date, in accordance with published processing times.

Applications for the Subclasses 188A and 188C Extensions, and Subclasses 888 A, B and C streams will still be accepted.

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT has met the 2019/20 allocation of BIIP nomination places. Any applications submitted after the closure will not be processed until 1 July 2020.

South Australia

South Australian state nominated Business visa Subclasses 188 and 132 have reached capacity for the 2019-20 program year.

‘Intention to Apply’ submissions from interested parties who plan to apply once the new program year opens are now being accepted.

Tasmanian, Western Australia and Northern Territory

Business migration programs remain open for applications in these states and territory.

State and Territory Nominated Visas - s48 barred applicants onshore
The Commonwealth has asked the State and Territory governments to suspend nominating s48 barred applicants until the COVID-19 travel restrictions have been resolved. The following information has been provided by the state and territories have posted this information to their websites:
New South Wales
NSW will re-nominate applicants affected by section 48 bars once they are again able to travel overseas. This will provide a further 60 days to submit the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Until the COVID pandemic travel restrictions have been resolved, please do not nominate new applicants who are s48 barred.
Queensland
As applicants subject to a section 48 bar are unable to lodge a state nominated visa onshore, BSMQ is unable to nominate section 48 barred applicants for Subclass 491 visas and requests that these applications be withdrawn.
Nomination applications may be lodged again once the travel restrictions are lifted, if the applicant meets the criteria at that time.
Tasmania
As of 2 April 2020, all applications on hand and lodged thereafter by candidates who hold a Bridging Visa associated with Administrative Appeal Tribunal (AAT) or Federal Court review will continue to be assessed as normal.
Unsuccessful applicants will be advised of the outcome and should not reapply until travel restrictions are lifted. All other applications will be placed on hold in our system and when travel restrictions are lifted we will contact applicants to obtain an update of circumstances (such as current residential location and employment details if applicable) to then finalise their application accordingly.
Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory
No information currently from these states and territories.

Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
Visa tạm trú dành cho những người bị ảnh hưởng bởi
COVID-19

Joint media release with the Hon Michael McCormack and the Hon Allan Tudge MP - Supporting the agriculture workforce during COVID-19
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19.
The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government was protecting the health of Australians by supporting businesses, providing job opportunities and securing our food supply.
“We can’t afford to see fruit rotting on trees and vines and vegetables left unpicked. It is vital our farmers maximise their hard work and economic returns,” Mr McCormack said.
“We are acting to enable seasonal workers to extend their stay and remain lawfully in Australia until they are able to return to their home countries.
“The agriculture sector relies on an ongoing workforce and we are committed to providing the means for that to continue while ensuring strict health and safety measures are adhered to, including visa holders following self-isolation requirements when they move between regions."
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said workforce requirements for agriculture change within and across states as different crops are ready for harvest.
“It is essential for our food security that workers can move to meet these seasonal labour needs,” Minister Littleproud said.
"At the same time it is critical we manage this labour force to support the on-going health of regional communities.
“We are working closely with State and Territory Governments and industry to ensure appropriate health controls are in place for the ongoing health and well-being of our regional communities.”
There are tough rules to ensure that COVID-19 is not transported to regional and rural communities that have thankfully not experienced the same level transmission.
Before moving to other parts of the country, working holiday makers will need to self-isolate for 14 days and register at the Australia.gov.au website. Those who do not comply will face having their visas cancelled.
The National Farmers Federation has developed best practice guidance for farmers regarding requirements for the living and working arrangements for farm workers (either domestic or migrant) during the covid-19 outbreak.
"We have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review these guidelines and it is critical that they are then considered by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Sadly, there's been a significant number of Australians who've lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“I know some farmers have seen strong interest from job ads and we are keeping market testing requirements in place to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
“We are well positioned with the decisions we’ve taken today to ensure that critical industries, such as agriculture, are well supported during this time and that Australia remains positioned to produce the food we need.”
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said agriculture is an essential sector and it relies on temporary visa holders, many who arrive and depart Australia on a seasonal basis.
“These visa holders fill a critical workforce gap in this sector,” Minister Tudge said.
“That is why the Government is putting temporary measures in place to allow important work in the agriculture sector to continue.
“We are giving certainty to our agriculture workforce so they can get food from farms to our shops and ensure critical services continue.”
The conditions under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme visa arrangements will be carried over to the new visa arrangements, continuing the strong links between Pacific seasonal workers and their employers.
These changes complement and are in addition to additional measures for temporary visa holders announced by Minister Tudge.
Key Facts
• Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved employers (ensuring pastoral care and accommodation needs of workers are met to minimise health risks to visa holders and the community).
• Approved employers under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme will need to continue engaging with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment on labour market testing to ensure recruitment of Australians first.
• Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) who work in agriculture or food processing will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.
• Conditions will be placed upon visa holders to self-isolate for 14 days before taking up employment in a different region (including termination of visas where there is non-compliance).
• To support implementation of self-isolation arrangements for visa holders and avoid spread of COVID-19 the government is working with states and territories on enforcement and sanction mechanisms.
• Employers will need to commit to providing safe accommodation for agricultural workers that complies with social distancing requirements.
• Arrangement will also need to be in place for a declaration between employers and employees that all protocols necessary to ensure human health and accommodation requirements have been met.
See: Index of Media Releases
URL: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/…/supporting-agricultur…
Last update: Saturday, 04 April 2020

minister.homeaffairs.gov.au

The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 13 February 2020

EXTENTION OF TRAVEL BAN TO PROTECT AUSTRALIANS FORM THE CORONAVIRUS

The National Security Committee of Cabinet has today agreed to extend the entry restrictions on foreign nationals who have recently been in mainland China for a further week form 15 February 2020 to protect Australians form the risk of coronavirus.

As always, our priority is to keeps Australians safe.

This decision is underpinned by medical advice and recommendations form the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and chief medical officers form each state and territory, on the steps necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus. The Chief Medical Officer confirmed that our arrangements to protect Australians form coronavirus are working – there are no confirmed cases among Australia citizens and residents who have returned to Australia sine the introduction of the border measures on 1 February 2020.

The restrictions will be reviewed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) in one week.

We are announcing this decision now to give certainly to travellers, businesses and organisations.

The continuation of the travel restrictions means that for a further week, foreign nationals – excluding permanent residents – who have been in mainland China will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days form the time they left.

As before, Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians and dependants only).

We continue to require Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families who have been in mainland China form 1 February 2020, and who return Australia, to self-isolate for 14 days form the time they left mainland China.

Australia is one of 58 countries that has introduced some form of travel restrictions on passengers who have been in mainland China.

The AHPPC has advised that the situation with coronavirus in mainland China has not improved in the past two weeks.

There is continuing and concerning growth of cases and mortality in Hubei province and further, though slower, growth in other regions of mainland China.

Today’s decision is one of a number of measures the Government has taken to protect public health and keep Australians safe at home and abroad.

With help from Qantas and the cooperation of Chinese authorities, we have assisted the departures of 532 Australians form Wuhan.

On the advice of the AHPPC, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will maintain its travel advice for mainland China at “Do not travel” until there is a material change in the global situation.

Border measures to screen passengers on flights and vessels from mainland China and for people who have been in, or transited through, mainland China in the past 14 days will also continue.

These measures are all kept under regular review.

We will continue to work in close cooperation with state and territory government authorities and our international partners.

The Morrison Government can reassure Australians that our nation is well-equipped and prepared of this global health challenge.

[END]

Media Contacts:
Prime Minister’s officer: Press Office, (02) 6277 7744
Minister Hunt’s office: James Perrin, 0447 534 427
The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Sydney

Visa làm việc vùng quê mới có hiệu lực: đầy đủ danh sách tay nghề.

Các loại visa mới khuyến khích nhân viên sở thú, kiến trúc sư, nhà khoa học, thợ rèn và rất nhiều nghề nghiệp khác có thể định cư tại miền quê nước Úc.

Nông gia nuôi cừu, diễn viên, phi công, nhà khảo cổ, y tá và thợ mộc là một vài nghề nghiệp trong danh sách nghề chính thức được chấp nhận nộp đơn đến Úc định cư theo visa vùng quê mới có hiệu lực từ 16/11.

Các di dân được khuyến khích định cư tại miền quê, theo một biện pháp thúc đẩy của chính phủ liên bang, nhằm giảm bớt mật độ dân số tại các thành phố lớn cũng như phát triển kinh tế khu vực miền quê.

Hai loại visa tay nghề mới đã được phê chuẩn, yêu cầu các di dân phải đến sống và làm việc tại miền quê nước Úc trong ba năm trước khi nộp đơn xin trở thành thường trú nhân.

Tổng trưởng Di trú David Coleman nói visa mới sẽ giúp giảm bớt áp lực về dân số tại Sydney, Melbourne và Brisbane, cũng như mang đến các vùng quê nguồn nhân lực có kỹ thuật và tay nghề. Ông nói:

“Chúng tôi thúc đẩy phát triển ở những khu vực cần thêm nhiều người đến sống. Qua loại visa mới bắt buộc di dân đến sống và làm việc ở những miền quê này ít nhất ba năm, chúng tôi khuyến khích họ có đủ thời gian xây dựng nền tảng cộng đồng ở những nơi này, và như vậy họ có thể muốn ở lại đây lâu hơn.”

Hai loại visa miền quê mới bao gồm visa được chủ nhân bảo lãnh, trong đó di dân có tay nghề được người chủ tại vùng quê Úc bảo lãnh đến làm việc.

Thứ hai là loại visa làm việc vùng quê (visa tạm thời), cấp cho những di dân tay nghề được chính phủ tiểu bang hoặc vùng lãnh thổ tuyển lựa, hoặc di dân đó được một thân nhân đang sống và làm việc tại miền quê nước Úc bảo lãnh.
Chính phủ liên bang hiện dành 25,000 chỗ cho các loại visa vùng quê này.

Đây cũng là một biện pháp nhằm giảm bớt số lượng thường trú nhân cả nước từ 190,000 xuống còn 160,000.

(Source: SBS Vietnamese)

Skilled Regional Visas - Update

The following resources are available on the new Skilled Regional Visas (SRV) on the MIA website under the Member Resources tab to assist members.

SRV Regulation - MIA Notices 47

SRV Instruments - MIA Notices 102, 105, 106

SRV Occupations - all occupations lists combined - under Member Resources tab - Skilled Migration Updates

NOTE: Legislative Instruments Skilled Regional Visas - Compilations
The compilation Legislative Instruments related to the implementation of the Skilled Regional Visas Instruments are gradually being released.

Many members have asked why some of the amending Instruments eg LIN 19/243 were showing as 'not in force' on the Federal Register of Instruments soon after they were registered. When the amending Instrument commences, it amends the original Instrument and is no longer required. The compilation version of the Instrument is eventually released with the changes made to the original Instrument.

The following compilation Instruments have been published:

IMMI 18/033: Specification of Income Threshold and Annual Earnings and Methodology of Annual Market Salary Rate Instrument 2018

LIN 18/036: Period, manner and evidence of labour market testing Instrument 2018,

IMMI 18/037: Regional Certifying Bodies and Regional Postcodes Instrument 2018

LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities Instrument 2019

LIN 19/186: Arrangements for Applications for Bridging Visas Instrument 2019