Hong Kong nationals based in Australia will be offered access to new specialised pathways to permanent residency from next year.
The introduction of two new visa streams is the latest measure taken by the Australian government against the backdrop of concerns over Beijing’s controversial national security laws in Hong Kong.
It is estimated around 8,800 existing temporary skilled, graduate and student visa holders would be eligible for two new visa streams to commence from 5 March 2022.
Under one pathway, people who have lived in regional areas in Australia could apply after three years, with others eligible after four years of local residency through a separate visa offering.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said the Australian government had delivered on a commitment to provide a pathway to permanent residency for people from Hong Kong.
“These new visas will provide a pathway to temporary graduates and temporary skilled workers from Hong Kong currently in Australia on extended visas,” he said.
“[It] will build on already close family connections and economic ties with Hong Kong that have existed for many years.”
Both Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders would be eligible for the permanent residency pathways.
The subclass 191 - Hong Kong (regional) stream would focus on those who have lived, worked or studied in regional areas, while the subclass 189 Hong Kong stream is open to other applicants. The visas would allow for dependents to be included.
China imposed a national security law on 30 June last year as a response to widespread anti-government protests in 2019 throughout the city.
The law, drawn up by China, sets out to punish subversion secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
Since the implementation of the security law, authorities in Hong Kong have cracked down on free speech and protests with many pro-democracy activists and politicians jailed or forced into exile.
The Australian government has expressed deep concern over China’s law enforcement measures, which it has described as vaguely defined and a threat to liberty.
that visas would be extended for about 10,000 Hong Kong citizens studying or working in the country in response to the sweeping powers.
The safe haven scheme had allowed these Hong Kong nationals to extend their stay for five years with a pathway to permanent residency after that time.
Mr Hawke said the "dedicated" and "simpler" visa streams for Hong Kong nationals would also help attract skills and talent to Australia.
“[It will] help boost productivity and create further job opportunities for Australians,” he said.
Justin Hayhurst, assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific group, last week told Senate estimates that Australia was worried about the "systematic unravelling of democratic institutions" in Hong Kong.
Authorities in China and Hong Kong have repeatedly denied curbing human rights and freedoms.
