Australia-India Strengthen Ties with New Work Visa Program for Indian Professionals

Australia's MATES Visa Programme: In a major step toward enhancing bilateral relations, Australia and India have introduced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), set to launch in late 2024. The initiative allows recent graduates and young professionals from top Indian universities to live and work in Australia for up to two years, fostering professional development and supporting Australian industries.

The MATES program is designed to bridge workforce gaps in Australia by enabling Indian nationals in fields such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, IT, artificial intelligence, fintech, and agri-tech to apply for a Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa. Annually, 3,000 visa spots will be allocated through a transparent ballot, ensuring fair access for eligible applicants. Dependants are permitted to join, with work rights that do not impact the yearly visa cap.

Key Requirements for MATES Participation

Eligible candidates must meet specific criteria, including:

• Age 30 or younger at the time of application.
• Proficiency in English, with an IELTS score of 6 overall and at least 5 in each section.
• A recent degree (Bachelor’s or higher) from an eligible institution.
• Qualification in a designated field (renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, AI, fintech, or agri-tech).

Objectives and Benefits of the MATES Program

Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, described MATES as the core component of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), signed in May 2023. He said, “MATES supports our migration priorities by attracting India’s talented graduates with in-demand skills, benefiting both nations by fostering professional growth in relevant Australian sectors.”

The program offers mutual benefits, allowing Indian professionals to apply and expand their skills in industries facing talent shortages in Australia. According to recent data, Australia has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students, with numbers recovering post-COVID to reach over 122,000 Indian students in 2024. MATES provides these graduates with an avenue to shift from study to work visas, meeting growing demand among Indians seeking Australian work experience.

Allocation and Additional Program Details

• Visa Allocation: 3,000 spots via a fair and transparent ballot process.
• Dependants: Spouses and children can join MATES participants with work rights.
• Repeat Participation: Applicants cannot apply for MATES more than once.

This scheme signifies a collaboration between Australia and India, reinforcing ties and expanding career pathways for Indian professionals in Australia. The program aligns with both countries' priorities, supporting economic and workforce development through skilled migration.