VISA UPDATE

Thank you to to those newly arrived Ukrainians who responded to the UCNSW’s recent survey on their education/qualification/experience. A summary of this information was presented today by Andrew Mencinsky and Marta Artemenko to Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration. The survey received 546 responses and confirmed that:

• Cohort is older, with ~30% over 46 years of age, with ~38% between 36-45 years of age
• 60% have found employment, however only ~50% of those are working in a job related to their qualification
• Cohort is highly educated, with ~34% holding a Bachelor’s Degree and ~46% holding a Master’s Degree
• Cohort is highly experienced in Top 20 Occupations in Demand (as per report from Minister for Skills and Training)

The full report is available for viewing here.

Minister Giles noted the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians in Australia, and confirmed that the Albanese government is working on a specialised visa program that addresses these challenges and will provide pathways to permanent residency for those who wish to seek it.

While no firm timetable was given for this specialised program, Minister Giles committed to continuing direct engagement with the Ukrainian Council of NSW – ОУГ НПВ and Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations to ensure that any solution is supported by the Ukrainian community.

In the interim, the UCNSW will continue to press for an unconditional extension to current visas held by displaced Ukrainians.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!