Australia will introduce a new permanent residence visa program

The Australian government has committed to introducing the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV). This is a new permanent residency visa program for citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

In 2024, a new subclass 192 visa - Pacific Engagement - will be introduced. It will provide up to 3,000 permanent places annually for citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste and their immediate family members. This is in addition to Australia's permanent migration program. The PEV will increase the Australian Pacific diaspora, writes the Financial Express.

In October last year, the Australian government passed immigration legislation that allows the ballot to be used for the new PEV.

To be eligible for a PEV you must:

• Be selected at random through the PEV ballot
• Be between the ages of 18 and 45
• Have an official job offer in Australia
• Meet other visa requirements, including English language, character, and health checks

PEV holders will have access to Medicare, public schools, and higher education.