Australia and Bangladesh Agree to Work Visa

Young professionals from Australia and Bangladesh now have the opportunity to work in each other’s countries through a work and holiday visa agreement announced today.

University-trained Australian and Bangladeshi travellers aged between 18 and 30 will be able to work and holiday for up to 12 months.

'The work and holiday visa agreement means young people from the two countries wishing to travel and experience different lifestyles and cultures will now be able to work to subsidise their holiday,’ Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, said today.

'The work and holiday visa is different to a working holiday maker visa arrangement, in that it requires an applicant to have the support of their government, hold post-secondary qualifications, or have successfully completed two years of undergraduate studies, and have some English ability.

'Australia is a popular destination for Bangladeshi travellers, with 2195 tourist visas granted to Bangladeshi nationals in 2004-05,’ the Minister said.

The work and holiday visa arrangement will become effective when legal procedures by both nations have been completed.

There will be an annual limit of 100 visas on both sides; however, this figure will be reviewed annually.

8 March 2006

Recognition for Same Sex Partners of Skilled Migrants and Students

Same sex partners of skilled migrants and students will soon be recognised by Australia for immigration purposes, Minister for Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, announced today.

‘Australian citizens and permanent residents can currently sponsor same sex partners into Australia, ‘ the Minister said.

‘However, skilled migrants and students have not been able to include same sex partners.

‘While same sex partners could enter Australia in their own right, often as visitors, the fact that couples were not treated together in the same application created some uncertainty for them and a potential loss for Australia of highly skilled migrants.

‘Skilled migrants and students could list heterosexual partners on their visa application, but not same sex partners. This change will remove this anomaly.

‘This anomaly has been of concern, particularly in the health area where a number of doctors have indicated, if not for this issue, they would be prepared to work in regional areas.

‘This change will keep Australia competitive in what is becoming an increasingly intense global market for skilled migrants.

‘We all know of the serious doctor shortage in regional and remote areas. As Immigration Minister, I was determined to ensure that there were no barriers within my area of responsibility to filling these shortages.

‘Skilled migrants play a vital role in the Australian economy. Whether as tradespeople, filling critical areas of shortage to help business grow and expand and thereby create more job opportunities for young Australians, or as professionals providing desperately needed medical services outside our capital cities.

‘I am determined that our system facilitates the entry of those skilled workers Australia desperately needs.

‘The new provisions will initially apply to temporary skilled migrants (457 visa) from 1 July 2006. The provisions will apply to other categories of skilled migrants and students later.

‘I have also asked my department to consult about addressing any similar anomalies that may exist in other visa categories.‘

6 March 2006