DILI, 01 may 2024 (TATOLI) – Australia is pleased to announce the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), a new permanent resident visa providing an opportunity for eligible citizens from the Pacific and Timor-Leste to live, work and study in Australia.
Up to 300 visas, inclusive of partners and dependant children, will be made available in 2024 to Timorese nationals through a random ballot process.
The Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, says the new visa will help deepen connections between Australia and Timor-Leste.
“I’m excited to see Timor-Leste participate in the Pacific Engagement Visa, as this will strengthen people-to-people ties between our countries and enable greater cultural, business and educational collaboration,” said Wilson.
Timorese nationals participating in the program will have access to a range of supports in Australia, including migrant settlement services, English language programs, public schools and healthcare, and financial support to encourage participation in study and training.
The ballot will open on 3 June 2024 and applications can be lodged online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
On 18 October 2023, the Australian Parliament passed the Pacific Engagement Visa to allow up to 3,000 immigrants from Pacific nations, including Timor-Leste to settle permanently in Australia every year.
According to DFAT, the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) will increase permanent migration from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, growing the diaspora in Australia, strengthening people-to-people links, and encouraging greater cultural, business, and educational exchange.
The Pacific Engagement Visa is a new permanent resident visa for participating countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Up to 3,000 visas, inclusive of partners and dependent children, will be allocated annually to Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals through a ballot process.
Previously, DFAT said in a statement that eligible countries could include Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
