Australia will establish a Pacific visa lottery scheme to boost the number of permanent migrant workers and strengthen relations with the region.
From July, 3000 places a year will become available for eligible participants from Pacific nations and East Timor to be randomly selected and given the opportunity to apply for a permanent Australian visa.
The proposal mirrors the United States “green card” system in which random applicants are given work rights and a citizenship pathway.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles unveiled the proposal on Thursday, saying it would boost permanent migration from the Pacific to Australia and “build a stronger Pacific family”….