Australia: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa update
Legislation has now been published on the skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 494, which will be introduced in November 2019. The new visa aims to enhance skilled employment opportunities in regional cities.
Impact
There will be a stream for employers with standard business sponsorship (overseas business sponsors not included), and a stream for employers holding a labor agreement between the company, government and other stakeholders.
Criteria must be met for the position in Australia, including but not limited to:
- Salary requirements
- Work experience
- Full-time employment
- Availability for at least five years to align with the visa’s validity
The position’s location must be in a designated regional area, outside of the main metropolitan areas. This requirement applies to either stream.
After three years, the holder can apply for a Permanent Residence visa, subclass 191.
Looking ahead
Employers are advised to familiarize themselves with the legislation, criteria and requirements (including reporting). The list of qualifying occupations is currently unknown.
Crown will continue to report back on any further developments.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
India: e-business and e-tourist visa validity guidelines
The Government of India has increased the validity of the e-tourist and e-business visas to one year from the date of issue. Multiple entries will be permitted on both visa types.
This announcement enhances the criteria of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) facility introduced on November 27, 2014 and expanded further in August 2015.
On April 1, 2017 the visa type was renamed to e-Visa with three subcategories: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa and e-Medical Visa which can be authorized up to twice per annum, allowing a stay of up to 60 days on each occasion.
Looking ahead
Employers are advised to ensure any business travelers have at least six months’ validity on their passports (from the date of arrival in India). International travelers should have a return ticket or onward journey ticket to present upon arrival.
Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) registration may be mandatory if the aggregated stay exceeds 180 days in a calendar year and will depend on the stipulation made on the issued Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). If the FRRO registration is a requirement and the application is not submitted before the given timeline, a penalty fee will be applied. Fee is determined on a case by case basis.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Bureau of Immigration.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC or Bopanna Nanjappa, Immigration Manager for India.
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