Australian Immigration Daily News

The Minister for Trade, Tourist and Investment has announced a launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Australia and the United Kingdom. An FTA between the two nations, will aim to support the economic recovery from COVID-19.

In responding to the impact of COVID-19, the Australia-UK FTA is seen as a top priority and will be an important part of the Government post-COVID strategies, making it easier for businesses to export, and access goods, services and capital to fuel economic recovery.

Minister Birmingham said:

The Australian Government looks forward to negotiating an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, a close friend and an important trading partner. We will pursue a deal that opens up new opportunities for our farmers, businesses and consumers, supports job creation and strengthens our economies as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. As like-minded champions of free trade, the FTA will also signal our shared commitment to global trade liberalisation and the rules that underpin it.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said:

This is a chance for both our nations to make history. Despite our long friendship and the common values that unite us, our two great countries have never before had a free trade agreement. That can change now the UK has left the EU and become an independent trading nation once again. An ambitious, wide-ranging deal will renew and strengthen our bond of friendship, help bring greater prosperity to our peoples, and send a clear signal to the rest of the world that like-minded democracies are prepared to stand up for free trade and the rules underpinning international trade.

What this means for Immigration

In terms of migration, the changes are likely to be beneficial.  For example, for the purposes of TSS (Subclass 482) Visa, the changes are positive as it would mean that UK nationals will likely be exempt from Labour Market Testing Regime.  At present, sponsoring a TSS applicant requires an employer to advertise the role for at least 28 days on two different platforms.

Concessions to other visas may also be introduced.

The Australian FTA negotiating team will be led by Elisabeth Bowes, Chief Negotiator, Regional Trade Agreements Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and the UK negotiating team will be led by Vivien Life, Director, Asia & Australasia Negotiations Directorate, UK Department for International Trade.

For further information please visit: https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/simon-birmingham/media-release/joint-statement-minister-birmingham-and-secretary-state-truss-launch-negotiations-australia-uk-free-trade-agreement