Youth Incorporated Magazine

Wanna travel abroad but worry about the visa process, here comes an end to your worries as Australia has recently taken an initiative by introducing a new visa programme for graduates and young professionals from India, called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). The MATES programme was introduced under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) signed between India and Australia in May 2023 and comes into effect from November 2024.

Key Features of the MATES Program

• Eligibility and Visa Application: To qualify, candidates must be recent graduates or professionals in the early stages of their careers with skills in high-demand sectors, the application process includes a pre-application ballot charge and a subsequent application fee, ensuring only serious and qualified candidates proceed.
• Duration and Benefits: Successful applicants can stay in Australia for up to two years, during which they can work, travel, and participate in further educational training. This not only enhances their resumes but also provides Australian businesses access to skilled international workers.
• Cultural Exchange and Professional Development: The program is not just about filling skill gaps but also about cultural exchange and building long-term professional relationships between Australia and India.

Who can apply for a MATES visa?

• Under MATES, 3,000 eligible Indian nationals will be allowed to live and work in Australia for up to two years every year.
• Indian graduates and young professionals between 18 and 30 can apply for the temporary visa programme.
• Recent graduates from any recognised Indian university with good English proficiency can apply for the MATES visa.
• MATES is designed to promote mutually beneficial knowledge transfer, allowing Indian graduates to work in Australia while filling skill gaps in fields such as renewable energy, AI, ICT, and engineering.

MATES visa can be extended beyond two years

Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, recently said that applicants under MATES can apply up to the age of 30 and still be eligible to work beyond that age during their two-year stay further added that while the MATES visa is for two years, participants might have the option to extend their stay by applying for graduate visas or moving to a skilled visa if they meet the requirements.

How MATES visa recipients will be chosen 

The 3,000 MATES visa recipients will be chosen through an annual ballot system to ensure fair access for all eligible applicants, and applicants can only participate in the scheme once.

Are dependents allowed

Under the MATES programme, visa recipients are allowed to bring their dependants, including spouses and children, who will have full work rights. Unlike other Australian visas, the MATES programme doesn’t require applicants to secure a job offer or sponsorship before applying.

How does this impact Indian Graduates? 

The MATES programme specifically targets Indian graduates and young professionals between 18 and 30 years of age, offering a unique pathway to work in Australia without the requirement of employer sponsorship. This means that selected individuals can apply directly to live and work in Australia across various fields, primarily in industries where Australia faces talent shortages.

Fields emphasised for eligibility under the MATES program include:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Engineering and Renewable Energy
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The MATES programme serves as a vital link for graduates eager to apply their skills internationally while meeting Australia’s labour demands in key sectors.

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

Benefits of the Mates Programme

The MATES visa offers a wealth of benefits, both for Indian professionals looking for international exposure and for Australia’s workforce, including:

• No sponsorship requirement: Unlike other Australian visas, the MATES programme doesn’t require applicants to secure a job offer or sponsorship before applying. This freedom allows greater flexibility and ease in accessing Australia’s job market.

• Flexible work and living arrangements: Under the MATES visa, Indian nationals can explore diverse work opportunities and contribute to Australia’s economy across major sectors.

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

Comparative Overview

Feature	MATES	Other Visa Options
Work duration	Up to 2 years	Varies (often shorter)
Sponsorship requirement	None	Often required
Dependants	Can bring dependants	Limited or no dependants
Field flexibility	Not strictly required	Minimum IELTS score of 6
English requirement	Minimum ILTES score of 6	Varies by visa type

Long-term Strategy for Skilled Migration 

These initiatives are part of Australia’s broader migration programme for 2024-25, which plans to allocate 70% of its 185,000 total places to skilled migrants. This programme aims to support Australia’s economic growth by addressing its evolving skill needs in strategic sectors. Over the next five years, Australia expects the MATES visa and other skill-focused initiatives to contribute significantly to its labour force, providing Indian professionals with a direct pathway to participate in and benefit from Australia’s economy.

The MATES visa is set to launch on November 1, 2024, and interested applicants should apply through the official portal at the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This new programme not only helps fill Australia’s skill gap but also offers Indian graduates a chance to build international work experience in a structured, supportive environment.