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Late last year, as part of the Federal Budget
As part of the Federal Budget last year, the Australian Government announced the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) to boost Pacific permanent migration to Australia. PEV will encourage more excellent cultural, business, and educational exchanges between Australia and the Pacific and Timor-Leste diasporas.
Parliament is expected to be introduced the new visa bill on Thursday.
Under a scheme modelled after New Zealand's immigration program, the new visa will allow up to 3,000 people from the Pacific region to migrate to Australia each year as permanent residents.
Visas will be allocated annually to Pacific countries and Timor Leste through a ballot process. The successful candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residency. In order to qualify for the visa, applicants must have a written employment contract in Australia and meet other migration requirements. Visa allocations may include the partners and legally dependent children of applicants.
In a media statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Vanuatu's inclusion in the Pacific Engagement Visa consultations.in a media statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the commencement of consultations on Vanuatu’s inclusion in the Pacific Engagement Visa.
By July 2023, voters can submit ballot applications.
PEV requirements:
Candidates will be selected by ballot.
A minimum age of 18 to 45 is required for applicants.
It is possible for applicants to include their partners and legally dependent children in their application.
It is necessary that applicants have a formal offer of employment in Australia.
English language, character, and health requirements must be met by applicants.
Further program details, including ballot and visa eligibility requirements, will be informed by government consultations.