May 08, 2023

Migrant employees in aged care could receive sponsorship to live in Australia

The Skills Priority List defines direct care occupations in the aged care sector in national shortage. [Source: Shutterstock]

Key points:

  • 35% of direct care workers in residential aged care identified as culturally and/or linguistically diverse
  • The new Labour Agreement gives aged care providers more incentives to attract migrant workers which includes an expedited two-year pathway to permanent residency
  • Employers will be given access to the agreement if they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant industry union to improve transparency

Aged care employers are now able to sponsor migrant workers on skilled visas to help them fill important jobs and plug workforce shortages in the sector, according to the Federal Government’s new Labour Agreement.

Just days before the release of the 2023-2024 Federal Budget, the Government announced a new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement which further supports migrant workers and offers a two-year pathway to permanent residency – an area of legislation that has previously let down these workers.

The latest Aged Care Workforce Census Report showed 35% of direct care workers in residential aged care identified as culturally and/or linguistically diverse. Despite these workers being recognised by the Government as having a “complementary role” to relieve workforce pressures in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, most experience visa uncertainty. 

In August 2022, an aged care nurse and his family living in rural South Australia faced deportation despite his daughter being born here and the country’s rural and remote communities crying out for more aged care workers.

Clifford Chisengalumbwe, 43, was left waiting until the day before his deportation before the Federal Government granted him and his family permanent residency in Australia.

Similarly, aged care stakeholders also raised concerns about the Government’s decision to reduce the number of hours international students could work per fortnight earlier this month, claiming the change threatens the already over-stretched aged care workforce.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, said the agreement is a tool for resetting Australia’s approach to visa policy. 

Newly sponsored care workers will have an opportunity to speak to their union shortly after commencing, should they wish to do so, to raise concerns or stay informed about their sponsorship.

Are you a migrant worker who could benefit from an employer sponsorship? Let us know in the comments!

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  1. I am currently on a 482 visa and I have a certificate 4 in PCA diasability . I’ve been working as a disability support worker in age care for agencies for the past 5 -6 months now . Am I eligible for this permanent residency visa program for age care ??.

  2. Hi i am working in aged care worker since 2012 with same employer and i am in spouse dependent visa. My husband is in 482 visa and he is the main applicant. He is 51yrs so we can’t apply for permanent residency. I am 44 yrs turning 45 in July this year .can i apply for 186 visa.? Long-term stress to my family.

  3. I am an international student working as care worker in aged care homes. I am 44 years old and studying a Masters degree which does not lead me to a PR in Australia. The new labor agreement is a fantastic opportunity for me to get a permanent residency and help the aged population with my services. Does it has any age considerations? Can I apply for my permanent residency. What if my employer does not have a labor agreement signed?

  4. I am currently on a bridging visa B. Awaiting approval for a contributory parent visa. We came over to Australia in 2011 on visa 457 with my husband as main sponsor. I started working in aged care 2014 and is currently still working for the same employer (9 years) Unfortunately we over the age limit to apply for permanent residents therefore had to apply for the expensive, contributory parent visa. Would it be possible to apply for a sponsored permanent residents visa. I have studied in Australia and have a certificate lll in aged care and Diploma in community services

  5. I has been working in aged care facilities for over 3 years and had diploma in Community Services. I am presently seeking aged care visa sponsorship.

  6. I’m Koshala from Sri Lanka. I’m a registered nurse in Sri Lanka, and I’ve successfully obtained my aged care skill assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. I’m seeking assistance to facilitate my migration to Australia and kickstart my career there. Can I find to sponsorship ?

  7. We are a locally based placement agency in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. We have been in the business for 2o years and has been doing the 482 Skill Migration for Chefs & Bakers to Australia since 2016.

    Our recent approval for Chefs & Family was on the 3rd of January 2024. We also embarking on the New Age care Labour Agreement Jobs in Australia. Currently we have enrolled many qualified nurses for the ANMAC Skill Assessment Test and few of have already received their Certificate.

    Looking to tie up with some Migration Agency in Australia who can secure a job for this candidate with an employer in Australia, who have already got their Labour Agreement Approved.

    Please do not hesitate to contact me, if there is any room for collaboration on the above-mentioned placement in Australia.

    Regards
    Dave
    DPBIZ Placement
    Malaysia

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