Australia’s Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)
Australia’s Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a new initiative designed to strengthen ties between Australia and India by offering young Indian professionals the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This program aims to address skill shortages in key industries while providing valuable international experience to participants.
Understanding the MATES Program
The MATES program is a bilateral initiative established under the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), co-signed on May 23, 2023. It offers a Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403) to eligible Indian nationals, allowing them to gain employment and experience in their areas of expertise within Australia.
Key Features of the MATES Program
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian nationals aged 30 or younger at the time of application.
- Graduated within the last two years from an eligible educational institution.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech), or agricultural technology (AgriTech).
- Proficient in English, with an overall IELTS score of at least 6, and a minimum score of 5 in each of the four components.
Program Details:
- No requirement for Australian employer sponsorship.
- Participants can live and work in Australia for up to two years.
- While there’s no strict requirement to work in the nominated field of study, the program encourages participants to expand their skills and networks, particularly in the specified sectors.
- The program will commence as a pilot with 3,000 places for primary applicants per program year.
- Participants can apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children), who will have work rights in Australia and will not count towards the annual cap.
- Visa holders will have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia and may stay for 24 months from the date of first entry.
- The visa allows multiple entries to Australia.
- Participants may extend their stay by applying for another visa permitting temporary or permanent residence, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
Application Process
The MATES program is expected to open for applications from late 2024. Prospective applicants should prepare by ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria, including obtaining the necessary educational qualifications and English language proficiency. Detailed information about the application process, including visa subclass and associated fees, will be available closer to the commencement date.
Benefits of the MATES Program
For Indian professionals, the MATES program offers a unique opportunity to gain international work experience, enhance skills, and build professional networks in Australia. For Australian industries, it provides access to a pool of talented individuals in sectors experiencing skill shortages, fostering mutual growth and collaboration between the two nations.
Conclusion
The MATES program represents a significant step in strengthening the Australia-India partnership by facilitating the exchange of skills and knowledge. Eligible Indian professionals looking to advance their careers and gain international exposure should consider this opportunity to live and work in Australia.