The government of Australia has announced that 1,000 agricultural workers from Vietnam will be able to enter the country for work purposes under facilitated rules this year.
Australia and Vietnam signed an agreement to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on March 1, 2024.
In line with the agreement and under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, 1,000 workers from Vietnam will be supported to work in the agricultural sector in Australia in 2024, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Government will honour the Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam and signed implementation arrangements with Vietnam on 1 March 2024. This will enable up to 1,000 workers to come to Australia to work in the agriculture sector in 2024.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, the country’s Agriculture Visa is no longer an available visa product. This means that workers from Vietnam will now be able to take up job opportunities through the PALM scheme.
To be eligible for the scheme, workers from Vietnam must be over the age of 21. They must also prove English language proficiency, meet the required health requirements, and possess the skills and work experience required by the Australian employer.
As VnExpress explains those working in the agricultural sector can earn more than $2,600 (AUD4,000) per month. This does not include the incomes that can be made from extra shifts, only the regular working hours.
Australia Needs 3,000 Horticulture Workers Alone Each Year
Data show that Australia needs around 3,000 horticulture workers alone every year.
Other subsectors of horticulture are also dealing with sharp shortages. Therefore, by attracting more foreign workers, Australia wants to meet its labor market needs.
In 2024, about 1,000 agricultural workers are expected to start working in Australia, VnExpress notes. Similar numbers are expected to be seen from the other countries whose nationals will benefit from the visa approval.
Australia Determined to Strengthen Diversity in Workplaces
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said that it is determined to strengthen diversity in workplaces.
Through an official statement on its X social media account, the Department stressed that Australia condemns racism and values diversity.
Australia condemns racism in the strongest terms and values the strength of diversity in our workplaces.
This statement was made on Harmony Week and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Department further emphasized that the authority’s staff currently represents more than 112 international cultures and 42 faith groups.
Disclaimer: This news article has been updated following clarification from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam. The latter clarified that the Australian Government is now supporting additional workers to take up job opportunities through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The same stressed that the Australian Agriculture Visa is no longer “an available visa product.”