More Hongkongers seek graduate work visas to stay in Australia after studies, with chance to become PR
- About 3,000 graduates have applied since Australia introduced scheme tailor-made for Hongkongers
- Hong Kong applicants can get five-year visas, compared to only 18 months for those from elsewhere
More Hongkongers have applied to continue living and working in Australia after graduating, since 2020 when Canberra introduced a specially tailored visa scheme leading to permanent residence.
About 3,000 applied for graduate work visas after Australia eased its entry requirements for Hong Kong residents in response to Beijing’s imposition of a national security law in the city, banning acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers.
There were about 1,400 applicants in 2020-21 and 1,600 in 2021-22, more than double the usual number who previously applied each year to stay and work in Australia after graduating.
A human resources expert said while it was normal for overseas graduates to stay on to work and gain international exposure, Hong Kong’s talent pool would shrink if more graduates chose to put down roots overseas.
Aside from Australia, Britain and Canada also eased their entry rules for Hongkongers, including schemes to attract recent graduates.