new australian agriculture worker visa stream aims to resolve labour shortages
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In response to workforce shortages in the agriculture sector, the Australian Government has developed a specific Australian Agriculture Worker stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403). The Agriculture Worker Stream, which was released on 30 September, aims to supplement the existing Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM Scheme).
who is eligible?
The Australian Agriculture Worker stream has similar conditions to the Seasonal Worker Program stream and the PALM Scheme. It is available to workers and employers across a broad range of agricultural industries, including meat processing, fishery and forestry sectors.
eligible worker?
A general requirement for this visa is that the worker must genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the purpose of working at their sponsored place of work and have adequate means to support themselves during their intended period of stay. Applications will be open to applicants from a number of countries negotiated through bilateral agreements. This visa encourages foreign workers to undertake employment in Australia and provides an option for them to apply for a further Subclass 403 visa while onshore.
eligible employer?
As an eligible employer, you must be an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and be approved as a sponsor in the Australian Agriculture Worker Program.
aim of the agriculture worker stream
The central aim of the agriculture visa is to provide greater supply of foreign workers to a critical Australian industry in response to the workforce shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers will have the ability to move between employers in an effort to ensure minimum standards can be maintained for worker welfare and safety with the Government promising strong program governance and oversight. Uptake of the visa will be dictated by patterns of supply and demand within the workforce.
timeline for agriculture worker stream
While recruitment for the first phase of workers is open to a small number of approved employers, phase 2 recruitment will occur from April 2022. It is expected phase 2 will see a marked increase in the numbers of eligible employers and workers, subject to border settings and quarantine restrictions.
It should also be noted that the Federal Government has indicated that there may be a pathway for permanent residency through this stream.
how macpherson kelley’s migration team can help
Our expert immigration lawyers have extensive experience with employer sponsorships and the Agricultural sector. If you are looking to sponsor workers to meet current or future demand, please contact our offices so we can help you navigate this new visa pathway.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.
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new australian agriculture worker visa stream aims to resolve labour shortages
In response to workforce shortages in the agriculture sector, the Australian Government has developed a specific Australian Agriculture Worker stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403). The Agriculture Worker Stream, which was released on 30 September, aims to supplement the existing Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM Scheme).
who is eligible?
The Australian Agriculture Worker stream has similar conditions to the Seasonal Worker Program stream and the PALM Scheme. It is available to workers and employers across a broad range of agricultural industries, including meat processing, fishery and forestry sectors.
eligible worker?
A general requirement for this visa is that the worker must genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the purpose of working at their sponsored place of work and have adequate means to support themselves during their intended period of stay. Applications will be open to applicants from a number of countries negotiated through bilateral agreements. This visa encourages foreign workers to undertake employment in Australia and provides an option for them to apply for a further Subclass 403 visa while onshore.
eligible employer?
As an eligible employer, you must be an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and be approved as a sponsor in the Australian Agriculture Worker Program.
aim of the agriculture worker stream
The central aim of the agriculture visa is to provide greater supply of foreign workers to a critical Australian industry in response to the workforce shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers will have the ability to move between employers in an effort to ensure minimum standards can be maintained for worker welfare and safety with the Government promising strong program governance and oversight. Uptake of the visa will be dictated by patterns of supply and demand within the workforce.
timeline for agriculture worker stream
While recruitment for the first phase of workers is open to a small number of approved employers, phase 2 recruitment will occur from April 2022. It is expected phase 2 will see a marked increase in the numbers of eligible employers and workers, subject to border settings and quarantine restrictions.
It should also be noted that the Federal Government has indicated that there may be a pathway for permanent residency through this stream.
how macpherson kelley’s migration team can help
Our expert immigration lawyers have extensive experience with employer sponsorships and the Agricultural sector. If you are looking to sponsor workers to meet current or future demand, please contact our offices so we can help you navigate this new visa pathway.