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HOPE FOR SAME SEX PARTNERS SAME sex partners of skilled migrants and students will soon be recognised by Australia for immigration purposes. "Australian citizens and permanent residents can currently sponsor same sex partners into Australia," Minister for Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, has said."However, skilled migrants and students have not been able to include same sex partners. "While same sex partners could enter Australia in their own right, often as visitors, the fact that couples were not treated together in the same application created some uncertainty for them and a potential loss for Australia of highly skilled migrants. "Skilled migrants and students could list heterosexual partners on their visa application, but not same sex partners. This change will remove this anomaly. "This anomaly has been of concern, particularly in the health area where a number of doctors have indicated, if not for this issue, they would be prepared to work in regional areas. "This change will keep Australia competitive in what is becoming an increasingly intense global market for skilled migrants. "We all know of the serious doctor shortage in regional and remote areas. As Immigration Minister, I was determined to ensure that there were no barriers within my area of responsibility to filling these shortages. "Skilled migrants play a vital role in the Australian economy. Whether as tradespeople, filling critical areas of shortage to help business grow and expand and thereby create more job opportunities for young Australians, or as professionals providing desperately needed medical services outside our capital cities. "I am determined that our system facilitates the entry of those skilled workers Australia desperately needs. "The new provisions will initially apply to temporary skilled migrants (457 visa) from July 1, 2006. The provisions will apply to other categories of skilled migrants and students later. "I have also asked my department to consult about addressing any similar anomalies that may exist in other visa categories." |
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