The 3000 annual permanent migration spots allocated to the Pacific Islands by Australia will be through a ballot process.
Responding to queries from this newspaper, the Australian government said they would establish a new Pacific Engagement visa for citizens of the Pacific and Timor-Leste in July next year.
“Those selected from the ballot will be invited to apply for permanent residency once they have secured a written employment agreement in Australia.”
Visa applicants would also need to meet English language, character and health requirements.
“Successful applicants will be able to bring partners and legally dependent children.
“We will continue to work closely with Pacific partners to understand needs and priorities in support of a resilient, secure and prosperous Pacific.”
Newly-appointed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong had announced the new visa plans during her visit to the country earlier this year.
