NEWS – Australian Federal Budget Document, released recently, announced the start date (NOV 1 2024) for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian Nationals

AUSTRALIAN MATES SCHEME

• Partnership Formation : Australia and India established the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) on May 23, 2023.
• The MMPA promotes bilateral migration and mobility while addressing illegal and irregular migration issues.
• Introduction of MATES Scheme
  • The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) is a component of the MMPA.
  • MATES facilitates temporary mobility for Indian university graduates and early career professionals.

Eligibility Criteria for MATES

1. Nationality : Open to Indian Nationals only.
2. Age Requirement : Applicants must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application.
3. Previous Participation : Applicants should not have participated in MATES previously.
4. English Proficiency : Proficient in the English language, demonstrated through standardized tests like IELTS.
5. Education : Graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution.
6. Qualification : Hold a qualification of Bachelor’s degree or higher in targeted fields of study.
7. Employer Sponsorship : No sponsorship by an Australian employer is required to apply for a visa under MATES.

Permitted Activities under MATES

• Participants can live and work in Australia for up to two years.
• No strict requirement to work in the nominated field of study.
• Encourages young professionals to expand skills and networks, particularly in specified sectors.
• Initially offers 3,000 places annually for primary applicants.
• Participants can apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children) who have work rights in Australia.