Australian Immigration Daily News

The summary:

• Temporary graduate and skilled workers will be offered an additional five years of work rights in Australia on top of the time they’ve already been in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period.
• Students will be eligible for a five year graduate visa from the conclusion of their studies, with a pathway to permanent residency at the end of that period. 
• Future Hong Kong applicants for temporary skilled visas will be provided with a five year visa, based on meeting the updated skills lists and Labour Market Testing requirements.
• Existing arrangement will continue to apply for those applicants who study and work in regional areas to help address skills shortages in those areas, with pathways to permanent residency after 3 years.

Source: MORRISON-and-TUDGE-Joint-Statement----Hong-Kong.pdf

Australia will offer a path to permanent residency for thousands of Hong Kong citizens, while suspending its extradition agreement with the city in response to China's crackdown on personal freedoms and dissent.

The changes apply to people already in Australia, offering safe haven and a path to remaining in Australia.

Temporary work visa holders and student visa holders currently in Australia will have their visas extended, and will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after that period.

In a report on SBS News today it states:

Canberra has indefinitely postponed its ‘Safe Passage’ pilot program to bring international students back into the country until there is a “clearer picture around the COVID-19 trajectory.”

The two state-owned universities in the Australian Capital Territory which are jointly initiating the country’s first pilot have announced that they have postponed the plan to bring back up to 350 overseas students to the capital.

We understand this is a stressful time for international students and visitors to Australia. You’ve been asking us lots of great questions about Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) coverage during COVID-19. So we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions and answers, as well as some helpful resources for you and your clients.

Does Allianz Global Assistance OSHC & OVHC cover COVID-19?

Yes, although the level of cover will vary depending on the policy purchased.

The following news has been received from VETASSESS:

Apply now: https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment-for-migration/trade-occupations/apply-or-track-your-application?utm_campaign=SRT-New-Trade-Occupations&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Enquire now: https://info.vetassess.com.au/trade-newoccupations-enquirenow?utm_campaign=SRT-New-Trade-Occupations&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua