Canberra, Australia – The government of Australia has made the official announcement regarding the introduction of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) as a new scheme under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). The program is aimed at promoting temporary migration of Indian professionals in the early stages of their careers to enable them to gain work experience in Australia.
New Pathway for Skilled Indian Graduates
Under the MATES program, a maximum of 3,000 Indian professionals will be chosen every year through a ballot. The scheme, which will open in 2025, will enable successful candidates to work and reside in Australia for a maximum of two years.
The applicants will have to fulfill certain eligibility criteria, such as:
- Age limit: Up to 30 years
- Education: Bachelor’s degree within the last two years
- English proficiency: Mandatory
The program accepts graduates from primary high-growth fields, such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology.
Conditions of Work and Residence
Applicants who are accepted will be provided with an initial stay of 12 months, extendable to up to 24 months. The visa will also provide multiple entries, allowing for the professional to leave and re-enter Australia during their stay.
Application and Fees
The program will open for applications in 2025. The candidates will be chosen via a ballot process to guarantee fairness.
Ballot fee: $25
Visa application fee: $365
Possible Pathway to Permanent Residency
While the MATES program is a short-term work visa, it could act as a stepping stone to permanent employment and residency. Professionals gaining experience in in-demand industries probably become eligible for employer-sponsored visas or Australia’s skilled migration schemes.
Government’s Strategic Workforce Initiative
Introducing the MATES program mirrors Australia’s keenness to retain international talent, especially in those sectors facing labour shortages. Opening doors for new-age professionals by simplifying access will help its workforce become robust and foster further cooperation between Australia and India.
The program would be of enormous interest to Indian graduates looking forward to international working experience and higher career prospects.
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Additional information regarding the application process will be released as the launch in 2025 draws near.