Chris Spentzaris opened the event by starting with the recent immigration changes. Discussed the various short to medium term visa options open to employers and how you can leverage these to maximise flexibility, reduce cost and increase efficiency in mobilising talent. Detailed overview of the following:

•  New regional visas
• Navigating short term travel visa options
• Internships and graduate programs
• Key TSS considerations: Labour Market Testing and 457 grandfathering provisions
• Pathways to PR
• Data sharing & Risk profiling - Shadow payroll, FWO, Tax, DHA 

Speakers: Chris Spentzaris, Partner and  Shavini Kumarawansa, Senior Associate, Fragomen

An overview of two new programs introduced at the end of 2019 was provided; Global Talent Independent and Global Talent Employer Sponsored. These visas can assist in attracting top talent and offering pathways to permanent residency, and the new Regional Visa framework which provides options for business with regional operations.

What is the Global Talent Independent?

• Formally launched by Minister Coleman 4 November 2019
• Part of the Government’s Innovation Agenda
• Input sought from the Industry Advisory Group (IAG)
• Established because internationally there is intense competition for  global talent
• Designed to help Australia compete for the best and brightest migrants globally
• Seven priority sectors for the initial phase of the program but referrals will not be limited to these areas (facilitate skill  transfer to the Australian labour market)

Global Talent Employer Sponsored Program was explained in detail too. More information can be found on this link: 

Please find the links to some of our content:

www.fragomen.com/sites/australian-immigration/about

www.fragomen.com/sites/australian-immigration/global-talent-independent-gti

www.fragomen.com/sites/australian-immigration/global-talent-employer-sponsored-gtes

There were several questions put to Chris and the room discussed their concerns around these issues.