Australia Unveils Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) for 2024
The Australian Government has officially announced the introduction of the Pacific Engagement visa (PEV), a groundbreaking permanent resident visa program tailored for citizens of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
Scheduled to launch in 2024, the new Subclass 192 – Pacific Engagement visa aims to allocate up to 3,000 permanent positions annually for eligible nationals and their immediate family members, supplementing Australia’s existing permanent migration program. This initiative is anticipated to contribute to the growth of Australia’s Pacific diaspora.
On October 19, 2023, the Australian Government enacted immigration legislation, paving the way for the implementation of a ballot system specifically designed for the PEV. This approach ensures that individuals from participating Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nations, regardless of skill levels, gender, or background, have an equal opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Australia.
PEV eligibility criteria include being randomly selected through the PEV ballot, falling within the age range of 18 to 45 years, possessing a formal job offer in Australia, and meeting various visa requirements such as English language proficiency, character assessments, and health checks.
PEV holders are entitled to benefits such as access to Medicare, and government-funded educational opportunities at both school and higher education levels. Furthermore, following the passage of the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific) Bill 2023 on November 14, 2023, eligible PEV holders will gain immediate access to essential programs including Family Tax Benefit A, Austudy, Youth Allowance (student and apprentice), Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), and VET Student Loans (VSL).
Source: MSN
