Coming into the year 2022, Australia is looking to increase its migration to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19. Travel bans and locked borders have affected migration not just in Australia, but all over the world - and Australia is looking back to recover this year.

Below are some of the updates that SBS News has posted on Australian Visas that were implemented to help migrants. Click here to go to their article for more information.

Australia opens borders to certain visa holders

As of 15 December 2021, Australian citizens, permanent residents, international students, and certain skilled visa holders can now enter Australia.

PR for skilled migrants in health and hospitality

To help in recovery efforts, the government has announced that certain skilled migrants, especially in the health and hospitality sector, who have worked and stayed in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for permanent residency.

PR for Hong Kong nationals

Starting March 2022, there will be two new visa streams to a permanent residency for Hong Kong nationals who are based in Australia. Announced back in November 2021, these are subclass 189 (Hong Kong Skilled Independent Stream) and subclass 191 (Hong Kong Regional Stream). This is part of Australia's effort in strengthening ties with Hong Kong, and these two new visa streams will open on 5 March 2022.

For more news and updates on this, you can visit SBS News' article below.

Source: SBS News - Australian visa changes 2022: The opportunities for migrants this year