The new regional occupation list released
In a dramatic turn of events the Department of Home Affairs [DHA], Australia sprung a surprise at the time of replacing the 457 visas with TTS 402 on 18 March 2018. The abolishment of the former and introduction of the new visa pertaining to work permits was a planned change scheduled for March 2018.
What came as a thrilling flash of news was the interim Regional Occupation List [ROL]. This is the third list of eligible occupations in addition to the two lists introduced in 2017- MLTSSL and STOL. The new Regional Occupation List, however, is available only for those applying for a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa [Subclass 489] that is state or territory nominated, and some of its occupations being available for the new TSS visas as well.
The introduction of the ROL has brought back many occupations that are now available for applying for a subclass 489 Visa. With this move, the DHA’s serious intentions to channelize the migrants to regional or low population areas of Australia make a headway.
A regional area, however, must not be confused with a backward or an underdeveloped region as the regions classified as ‘regional’ essentially refer to areas targeted for population growth. With the students, as well as migrants, coming to Australia under subclass 189 and 190, the metropolitan cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth remain cluttered with the migrating population. In order to spread out the migrants evenly to other areas of Australia, the 489 visa makes available a larger occupation list for those intending to settle outside the major non-regional cities of Australia. After complying with the two-year condition of living and working in the regional area, one is free to choose to live elsewhere including metropolitan cities of Australia.