On 9 July 2020 the Australian Government announced that it will be offering special migration pathways for Hong Kong passport holders who have skills and experience that would be of benefit to Australia.  These include:

  • Permanent visa pathways and incentives for export-oriented Hong Kong businesses to relocate to Australia. This will include permanent visa pathways for all critical Hong Kong staff.  This pathway is particularly targeted at businesses that operate their regional headquarters out of Hong Kong who may be looking to relocate to a democratic country.
  • Current and future Hong Kong students will be eligible for 5 year graduate visas at the successful completion of their studies, with a pathway to permanent residency.
  • Current and future Hong Kong temporary skilled visa holders will eligible for 5 year temporary visas, with special pathways to permanent residency available.

It is expected that immigration policy settings will be adjusted in the coming weeks to allow for the above initiatives.

Neil Arora is an Australian Migration Lawyer and Consulting Principal of Keypoint Law.  Neil specialises in business, employer sponsored and skilled visas.  Neil is available for a complementary initial consultation to discuss these changes and opportunities for you and/or your business.

 

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This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.  It should not be used as a substitute for legal advice relating to your particular circumstances.  Please also note that the law may have changed since the date of this article.