Australia’s new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) has seen an overwhelming response in its initial phase, with over 50,000 applications submitted for just 2,700 available slots. The PEV allows Pacific Islanders to move permanently to Australia with their families, provided they pass health checks and secure employment for at least the first year.
According to Stephen Howes, director at the Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University, the official data shows that a total of 56,127 people applied for the visa, averaging 21 applications per available visa. This figure does not account for family members who can also be included in the applications. If each applicant registered one or two family members, the effective demand could be around 50 applications per visa.
While the response has been positive, there are still many disappointed applicants. The process involves a simple online application costing only $25, and Howes expects that many will reapply in the future. The ballot system is essential, as it highlights the significant value of permanent residency in Australia, making the selection more balanced rather than skewed towards highly skilled applicants.
The employment requirement is a crucial hurdle for applicants, as securing a job offer for at least a year is necessary. Some applicants, particularly those already in Australia under other schemes, have an advantage. The Australian government is also establishing a job-matching service to assist those seeking work from outside the country.
The motivation behind the PEV lies in strengthening the Pacific diaspora in Australia and responding to demands for easier migration pathways from the Pacific. The move is also seen as a geopolitical strategy, providing opportunities that rival those offered by China. Climate change and the need for greater migration options are other factors contributing to the establishment of this visa.
Initial reports suggest significant interest in the visa from various Pacific nations, including Tuvalu, Tonga, and Fiji. For instance, it is estimated that 20% of Tuvalu’s population applied for the PEV, demonstrating the high demand. Papua New Guinea received the largest allocation of visas, but there are calls for an increase in their quota due to the country’s size and population.
Some countries, like the Republic of Marshall Islands, opted out of the PEV while others like Samoa and Kiribati requested additional time, which resulted in 300 unused visas that may be reallocated to other nations with excess demand.
In summary, the Pacific Engagement Visa has generated substantial interest and demand, and if successful, could pave the way for an expansion of migration options for Pacific Islanders to Australia in the coming years.