by Anne Nguyen
In March 2019, the Australian and Indonesian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(“MOU”) to encourage a skills exchange and development between the two countries. The MOU allows eligible workers to travel to Australia or Indonesia to develop workplace skills, economic, intercultural and business connections in the other country but long and behold, the global Covid-19 pandemic hit and the world stood still (and so did the MOU).
Fast forward to August 2023, the Australia and Indonesian governments signed an amended MOU allowing each eligible employee an opportunity to work in the other country for up to 12 months and, there will be a total placement of 1,500 across 5 years.
So what does it exactly entail? Read on to find out more.
- Placements schedules.
An allocation of:
- 100 places are available up to 30 June 2024,
- 200 places are available from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025,
- 300 places are available from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026,
- 400 places are available from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027; and
- 500 places are available from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028.
- General eligibility for applicants (coming from Indonesia to Australia).
To be eligible, the applicant must be:
- Over 18 years old at the time of application,
- Be currently employed on a full-time basis by the sending employer,
- Meet the skill level in an occupation that is defined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANSZCO) Skill Level between 1-3, other than where Australian citizenship or permanent residence is a pre-requisite for employment)
- Satisfy any licensing, registration or certification if the workplace placement is undertaken in a regulated ANZSCO Occupation,
- Have adequate language proficiency for the position.3. Eligible sectors
The MOU has defined that applicants should be contracted to work in the following eligible sectors:
- Tourism and travel related services,
- Mining, engineering and related technical services,
- Financial and insurance services,
- Information media and telecommunications services
- Green economy,
- Creative economy; and
- Agri-business and food processing.
- Requirements from Sending and Host Organisations.
There are many documents required from the Sending Organisation (the Indonesian Business) as well as the Host Organisation (the Australian Business) to ensure that the applicant has a smooth transition from one employer to another and across the country.
For instance, this would be a letter from the Sending Organization confirming the applicant’s details and current position or a written permit from the Indonesia Ministry of Manpower to send the applicant to name a few things.
On the other hand, the Host Organisation will be responsible for health insurance, any informal or formal trainings, workplace insurance (where applicable), remuneration and travel. The applicant is also required to submit an application to the Department of Foreign and Trade Affairs and once approved, only then is the applicant able to proceed with the visa application.
This is where Longton Migration can provide you with the support you need to ensure that the last leg of the process (especially the skills exchange visa application) is a smooth one. Tired of this lengthy so far? Then let one of our expert professionals assist you.
*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*
