Our relationship with Australia
Mr Volodymyr CherkasenkoDirector USU
Head office
4 Madan Voli
Ternopil
46001 UKRAINE
Dear Mr Cherkasenko
Thank you for your email of 2 December 2001 to the former Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs concerning placements abroad for students and graduates of Ukrainian higher education establishments. As this matter falls within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP, the matter was referred to him for reply. The Minister has asked that I respond on his behalf. I regret the delay in replying.
Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration program which allows persons from any country to apply for migration and temporary entry. Australia's temporary residence program seeks to facilitate the temporary entry of persons who can benefit Australia by contributing to the economic, cultural or social development of the Australian community. Unlike many other countries, Australia does not have a "guest worker" program to bring in unskilled or semi-skilled workers on a temporary basis. Australia's visa programs are based on the principle that entrants are highly skilled.
People seeking a visa primarily to undertake employment in Australia are generally required to possess special skills and qualifications. In many cases, sponsorship by the proposed employer is required. For example, the Temporary Business - Long Stay (subclass 457) visa allows approved businesses to sponsor skilled personnel from overseas to fill positions that cannot be filled with suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents. There are strict limits regarding the skills people must have in order to obtain this visa.
Further advice about visa options for persons wishing to work in Australia is available from the Australian Embassy in Moscow, Russia (Kropotkinsky Pereulok 13, Moscow 119034) or from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs' website at www.immi.gov.au.
