In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and address skills shortages, Australia introduced the Mobility for Talented Young Professionals (MATES) scheme, a specialized visa program designed to attract recent graduates and young Indian professionals .

This new initiative, part of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, provides up to 3,000 places each year for eligible Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to two years , starting in November 2024.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT ON INDIAN GRADUATES?

The MATES program specifically targets Indian graduates and young professionals aged 18-30, providing a unique pathway to work in Australia without the need for employer sponsorship.

This means that selected individuals can apply directly to live and work in Australia in a variety of fields, primarily in sectors where Australia faces a talent shortage.

Areas highlighted for MATES program eligibility include:

• Information and communication technologies (ICT)

• Engineering and renewable energies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The MATES program provides a vital link for graduates looking to apply their skills internationally while meeting Australian workforce demands in key sectors.

This collaboration not only addresses Australia’s growing need for skilled workers, but also provides Indian graduates with invaluable experience in one of the world’s strongest economies.

MATES PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific age, education and English language requirements, including:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

• Education: Applicants must have completed their degree in a relevant field within the last two years.

• Language proficiency: A minimum level of English proficiency is required to ensure candidates can communicate effectively in the workplace.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MATES VISA

The application process involves a pre-application fee of approximately AUD 25, followed by a standard application fee of AUD 365.

Fees are subject to adjustment and candidates are advised to check the latest updates on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

ADVANTAGES OF THE MATES PROGRAM

The MATES visa offers many benefits, both for Indian professionals seeking international exposure and for the Australian workforce, including:

• No sponsorship requirements: Unlike other Australian visas, the MATES program does not require applicants to secure a job offer or sponsorship before applying. This freedom allows for greater flexibility and ease of access to the Australian labor market.

• Flexible working and living conditions: Through the MATES visa, Indian nationals can explore various work opportunities and contribute to the Australian economy across major sectors.

• Strengthened bilateral relations: As part of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, the MATES visa highlights the strengthening economic and cultural ties between Australia and India.

EXTENDED VISITOR VISA

In addition to the MATES program, Australia has extended the visitor visa stream (subclass 600) to business visitors for Indian nationals.

The extension, from three to five years, allows Indian business professionals to visit Australia more frequently, further facilitating trade and economic ties between the two countries.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR SKILLED MIGRATION

These initiatives are part of Australia’s broader migration program for 2024-25, which plans to allocate 70% of its total 185,000 places to skilled migrants. This program aims to support Australia’s economic growth by meeting its evolving skills needs in strategic sectors.

Over the next five years, Australia hopes the MATES visa and other skills-focused initiatives will significantly contribute to its workforce, providing a direct pathway for Indian professionals to participate and benefit from the Australian economy.

THE Visa MATES should be launched on November 1, 2024and interested candidates should apply through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs portal.

This new program not only helps address Australia’s skills gap, but also provides Indian graduates with the opportunity to gain international work experience in a structured and supportive environment.

The MATES program reflects a growing commitment by Australia and India to deepen collaboration in education, skills training and workforce development.

For Indian graduates and young professionals, this visa represents an exciting opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain meaningful experience on the global stage, marking a promising milestone in Australia-India relations.

Set