Australia – Government announces new visa program to attract highly skilled global talent

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A new visa program, ‘The Global Talent Scheme’, aimed to attract highly skilled global talent and deliver innovation to Australia will be introduced from 1 July of this year, according to the Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash.

“The government recognises there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses,” a joint statement from Cash and Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, said.

The ‘Global Talent Scheme’ will consist of two components. Established businesses with an annual turnover of more than AUD 4 million (USD 3 million) will be able to sponsor highly skilled and experienced individuals for positions with earnings above AUD 180,000 (approximately USD 138,700) into Australia.

Employers will need to be able to demonstrate that they prioritise the employment of Australians and that there will be skills transfer to Australian workers as a result of the person being granted a visa. The sponsoring business must also have a track record of hiring and training Australians.

Technology-based and STEM-related start-up businesses will also be able to sponsor experienced people with specialised technology skills. Start-ups will need to be recognised by a start-up authority and demonstrate that they prioritise the employment of Australians. In both instances, a four-year temporary skill shortage visa will be issued with permanent residence applications available after three years.

“We want to ensure that Australian businesses can access the best talent in the world, because this will underpin business growth, skills transfer and job creation, “Tudge said. “At all stages, Australians are prioritised for the jobs, but where the skills and experience are not available here, we want to be able to attract talent from overseas.”

Cash also commented, “Industry figures say globally mobile, highly skilled and experienced staff can act as ‘job multipliers’ in Australian businesses, helping them to hire more local staff and fill critical areas of need.”

Source: http://www2.staffingindustry.com/row/Editorial/Daily-News/Australia-Government-announces-new-visa-program-to-attract-highly-skilled-global-talent-45409

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