Hong Kong Nationals get Pathway to Permanent Residency

In response to China’s sweeping new national security laws imposed on Hong Kong 10 days ago, Scott Morrison, in a live address to the nation’s media, has announced a number of exciting opportunities for the people of Hong Kong. Whilst no new visas have been created, existing policy has been changed with priority processing also being implemented.

In relation to policy, the Prime Minister said, “We think that’s important and very consistent with who we are as a people, and very consistent practically with the views that we have expressed.”

The major changes announced today are:

• People currently in Australia on a student visa will automatically have that visa extended by 5 years from today, with a pathway to Permanent Residency;
• Former students already on a graduate visa will automatically have that visa extended by 5 years from today, with a pathway to Permanent Residency;
• People currently in Australia on skilled visas will automatically have that visa extended by 5 years from today, with a pathway to Permanent Residency;
• Future visa applicants for student/skilled/graduate visas will have a 5-year stay attached to that visa, with a pathway to Permanent Residency;
• Future Hong Kong applicants for temporary skilled visas will be provided a five-year visa with a pathway to Permanent Residency;
• Current and future students from Hong Kong will be eligible for a five-year temporary graduate visa once they complete their studies, with a pathway to Permanent Residency; and
• The Temporary Skills Shortage list will be updated with a focus on Regional Areas.

The PM said there will also be opportunities for the Global Talent Program to accept Hong Kong Businesses and skilled people and he will be speaking directly with the States at the National Cabinet meeting tomorrow, to work out ways to attract talent from Hong Kong.

The refugee and humanitarian visas are still open to Hong Kong people should they be eligible.

Australia’s decision comes off the back of similar moves from the UK and other countries.