The Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa Scheme (PEV) of Australia has entered into force as of June 3, 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has announced.
Under this scheme, Australia will issue up to 3,000 visas yearly for Pacific Islanders, including partners and dependent children, VisaGuide.World reports.
Countries that will benefit from this visa program are the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The Pacific Engagement Visa will grow the Pacific and Timor-Leste diaspora in Australia with ongoing connections to their home countries, strengthen people-to-people links, and encourage greater cultural, business and educational exchange.
Papua New Guinea Citizens to Receive Highest Number of Visas
Australia has allocated a yearly quota for each of the participating countries. According to data provided by the government, Papua New Guinea will have the highest quota for 2024.
Regarding this, the authorities explained that visa allocations are based on various factors, such as the size of the population and current migration opportunities, among other things.
Benefits of a Pacific Engagement Visa
Holders of such a visa will have access to Australia’s universal health care system, along with public schools and Commonwealth-supported university places. Among other benefits, PEV holders would also enjoy facilities regarding the cost of establishing a family and the cost of education.
All Pacific Engagement Visa holders will also have free access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) Program which provides settlement-related information, advice, advocacy and assistance to access relevant services.
Registration for a PEV Will Cost $25
The registration fee for a Pacific Engagement Visa application will cost $25, as noted on the official website of the Australian government.
In addition to the application fee, the eligible candidates must be aged between 18 and 45 and posses valid passports from a participating country.
If randomly selected in the ballot, the primary applicant or their spouse/partner must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet basic English language requirements. Applicants will also need to meet health and character requirements before being granted a visa.
In addition to the above-mentioned scheme, thegovernment revealed its plans to launch a pre-application ballot process for specific types of visas, such as Work and Holiday visas for Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian nationals and a new temporary visa for young professionals from India.