150 Solomon Islanders to migrate to Australia each year under PEV

AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NEW PACIFIC ENGAGEMENT VISA

The Australian government has announced the launch of the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) which will allow 150 Solomon Islands nationals to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year, providing Solomon Islanders, and their immediate family, new opportunities to live, work, and study in Australia.

Launching the PEV program, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, said: “The Pacific Engagement Visa demonstrates the high value Australia places on its relationship with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.”

“The program will grow Pacific and Timor-Leste diasporas in Australia, strengthening linkages between our people, and encouraging greater cultural, business, economic, and educational exchange with Pacific countries.”

“The program has transformative potential, making Australia’s world-class education and training system more accessible for new residents under the Pacific Engagement Visa.”

From 3 June 2024, citizens of participating countries, including 150 Solomon Islanders, will be able to register online for the PEV.

The PEV program will use an online ballot to randomly select applicants, who can then apply for the visa.

Ballot selection will ensure equal access to the visa for people of any skill level, occupation and gender through an equitable, streamlined, and transparent process.

Once selected, applicants must secure a formal ongoing job offer in Australia and meet basic English language, health and character requirements before being granted a visa.

Participants in the program will have access to Australia’s universal healthcare system, public schools and Commonwealth supported university places, as well as a range of support services, including migrant settlement services, English language programs, and financial support to encourage participation in study and training.

The PEV program responds directly to requests from Pacific countries for greater regional mobility, by delivering education, skills, and economic and development dividends for the region, linking the Solomon Islands and Australia more closely together.

The Australian government is continuing to deepen its connections with the Solomon Islands, with the PEV program a critical milestone in this regard.