Safe Haven Enterprise Visa Announced by the Australian Govt
Australia’s Immigration department is in the process of killing two birds with a stone. The problem of resettlement of refugees has plagued many a Govt. in Australia. The latest scheme to enlist the help of provinces, in encouraging refugees to settle outside capital cities has been marked with vociferous opposition in the Australian Parliament. This scheme titled SHAV (Safe Haven Enterprise Visa) is binding for 5 years.
The scheme said to be a brainchild between the Federal Govt. and the Palmer United Party, allows visa holders to be guided to regions or places, sometimes remote in Australia that are undergoing shortages in labour. Clive Palmer, the Leader of the Palmer United Party reiterates that people selected under this visa will be sent to regions to plug regional vacancies.
Presently refugees seeking asylum in Australia are sent to either Manus Island or Nauru. The Govt. wishes that with this new visa scheme refugees can integrate seamlessly into the Australian way-of-life and enhance its economy.
The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa Scheme has the following features:
- During the 5 year period visa holders have the chance to arrange for bona fides and also pay taxes
- Visa holders are also eligible for ‘work rights’, access to medicare, education for children, employment services, trauma counseling and translation services
- The Govt shall also assist with ‘voluntary return packages’ needed for repatriates to go back to their countries. This is particularly designed to address the issues of unaccompanied minors who could be reunited with their family
The Australian Govt assures that the scheme does not encourage refugees as was the case with the Temporary Protection Visa scheme. This scheme is merely to provide temporary shelter to those refugees who are willing to live in Australian local regions, meeting the series of conditions laid on them. And with time, volunteer to return to their respective countries through Govt. assisted voluntary return packages.
News Source: Work Permit
Image source: Australian Visa Services
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