Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Programme Overview
The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot aims to benefit businesses by providing access to a skilled talent pool of refugees to fill workplace vacancies. Here are some key details:
Visa Places Available: 500 visa places are available until 30 June 2025.
Collaboration: The pilot is designed in collaboration with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), which helps businesses recruit skilled refugees from their Talent Catalog. These refugees include doctors, engineers, skilled trade workers, and software developers.
What are the Key Features of the Pilot Programme?
Addressing Barriers: The pilot removes barriers refugees face in accessing employer-sponsored skilled migration pathways to Australia.
Support for Recruitment: TBB will assist businesses in identifying and recruiting suitable candidates and support them during the visa application process and after the recruit arrives in Australia.
How do you register your interest in the pilot programme?
Both employers and refugee applicants must register with Talent Beyond Boundaries to participate in the pilot. The endorsement from TBB is necessary for both businesses and skilled candidates.
For Employers: Visit the section on Hiring Displaced Talent.
For Refugees: Access the Talent Catalog.
What are the Available Job Types?
Employers can sponsor skilled refugees or displaced persons for any job listed in the List of Occupations Available for Nomination.
Which Visa Programmes can be entered under the Pilot Programme?
Australian businesses endorsed by TBB can enter into a labour agreement to sponsor skilled refugees through various employer-sponsored visa programs, including:
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (subclass 494)
After 3 years on a subclass 494 visa, holders may be eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa.
What are the Benefits for Employers and Refugees?
The pilot offers several benefits, including:
No Labour Market Testing: TBB’s endorsement replaces the need for labour market testing.
No Skills or Minimum Work Experience Requirement: Employers determine if the refugee has the necessary skills.
Reduction in Income Threshold: Employers hiring refugees for ANZSCO Skill Level 3-5 jobs can benefit from a 10% reduction in the income threshold.
Increased Age Limit: Businesses can sponsor individuals up to 55 years for ENS and SESR visas. The TSS visa has no age limit.
Lower English Language Requirements: Refugees must have at least Functional English.
What Employers Must Do Under the Pilot Programme?
Operating a Lawful Business:
Must be an Australian registered business in good standing.
Demonstrate lawful operation for at least 12 months.
Provide evidence of financial viability.
Sponsorship Obligations:
Comply with standard business sponsorship obligations.
Ensure employment terms are no less favourable than those for Australian workers.
Salary Requirements:
Employ skilled refugees full-time and pay at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
Support for Refugees
Employers must provide support to help the skilled refugees settle in Australia, coordinated with TBB.
What Refugee Applicants Must Do Under the Pilot Programme?
Age Limit: Applicants must be under 55 years old for ENS and SESR visas. There is no age limit for the SID visa.
Health, Character, and Security Requirements: Must meet health, character, and security requirements, including at least Functional English.
Biometrics: Depending on the application country, biometrics may be required.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to access skilled talent while supporting refugees in their pathway to skilled migration. We encourage you to seek professional assistance for tailored advice and creative strategies, do not hesitate to contact us. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law and team of immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling +612 8310 5230 or email us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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