Australian Immigration Daily News

As States are continuing to administer migration programs despite the impact of COVID-19.  The State of Tasmania has confirmed that a degree of flexibility will be applied to applicants genuinely affected by COVID-19 employment stand-downs before or after meeting the mandatory 6 month full-time employment.

This means that each application will be considered on its merits and also the industry sector, depending on whether the sector is critical to the needs of Tasmania.

Tasmania will consider the main factors when issuing nomination:

1. Employment - A minimum 3 months full time employment up to the closure or business / reduction in hours.

• Underemployment - Full-time employment ceased directly due to a COVID-19 related close down or restriction.
• Ability to return to employment - There is a reasonable likelihood of being able to return to employment (full or part-time) after the workplace restrictions have been lifted (i.e a written evidence from employer).

Reduction in hours from full-time to part-time as a result of COVID-19 restrictions will be considered with leniency.

Support to Temporary Visa Holders

• Support for temporary visa holders – The Tasmanian Government has announced a package of assistance for temporary and provisional visa holders who have lost their jobs due to the restrictions in place to protect Tasmanians, and are not eligible for Australian Government Support. This includes:
• Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants for those who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Emergency relief and assistance will be provided through partnered non-government organisations where required.
• Support to return to country of origin.
• Working with employers who want to retain their employees because of their specialist skills in the State for when their business is able to start up so that we don’t lose skilled workers that we need.
• This assistance is available to holders of subclass 500, 485, 489, 491,457, 482, 403, 417 and 462 visas.