New Pacific Engagement Visa Introduced in Australia: Bill Overview and Progress

Immigration News

New Migration Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific and Other Measures) Bill 2023: What You Need to Know

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific and Other Measures) Bill 2023 to support its policy objectives in relation to engagement with Pacific nations. The bill proposes the creation of a new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) for citizens of certain Pacific countries and Timor-Leste who are seeking permanent residency in Australia.

In this article, we'll break down the key points of the bill and explain what it means for you.

What is the Migration Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific and Other Measures) Bill 2023?

The bill proposes the creation of a new visa class called the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) to provide access to permanent residency in Australia for citizens of certain Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. The bill also proposes the implementation of a visa pre-application process that involves a random selection of eligible persons who will then be permitted to apply for a relevant visa.

What is the purpose of the bill?

The primary and immediate purpose of the bill is to support the Australian government's policy objectives in relation to engagement with Pacific nations. By creating a strong and engaged Pacific diaspora in Australia, the government hopes to strengthen its relationship with the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This is important for Australia's economic and strategic interests in the region.

What are the key features of the bill?

The bill proposes the creation of a new section (section 46C) in the Migration Act 1958, which establishes the legislative power for the Minister to arrange a ballot to be conducted in relation to one or more visas. This will give the Minister the power to make a determination, in the form of a disallowable legislative instrument, setting out details relating to eligibility to participate in a ballot and the arrangements for the conduct of the ballot.

The bill also amends section 46 of the Migration Act to clarify that regulations that specify the criteria for making a valid visa application can include a requirement that the visa applicant has been selected in a ballot. This means that the visa pre-application process will be a mandatory requirement for certain visa classes.

What is the Migration (Visa Pre) Charge Bill 2023?

To participate in a ballot, a person will need to register and pay a charge. The Migration (Visa Pre) Charge Bill 2023, which was introduced on the same day as the Migration Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific and Other Measures) Bill 2023, outlines the charges that will be imposed. The bill establishes a ceiling for the maximum amount of charge ($100) that may be prescribed under the regulations for a particular ballot.

How can you follow the progress of the bills?

The bills are currently being considered by the Australian Parliament and can be followed on the Australian Parliament House website.

Conclusion

The Migration Amendment (Australia’s Engagement in the Pacific and Other Measures) Bill 2023 and the Migration (Visa Pre) Charge Bill 2023 aim to create a new visa class for citizens of certain Pacific countries and Timor-Leste who are seeking permanent residency in Australia. The bill proposes a visa pre-application process that involves a random selection of eligible persons who will then be permitted to apply for a relevant visa. To participate in a ballot, a person will need to register and pay a charge, which may be different for different ballots and different classes of people, prescribed by regulations.