Australia is set to enhance its talent pool by introducing the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) starting December 2024. This new initiative, part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between Australia and India, aims to facilitate the temporary mobility of young Indian graduates and early career professionals, fostering mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer.
Understanding the MATES Scheme
The MATES program is designed to provide Indian nationals with the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This scheme targets recent graduates and early professionals who can contribute to key sectors such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech), and agricultural technology (AgriTech). By focusing on these high-demand fields, MATES seeks to support Australia’s economic growth while offering valuable international experience to Indian professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MATES scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 30 years or younger at the time of application.
- Education: Must have graduated within the last two years from an eligible educational institution with at least a Bachelor’s degree in the specified fields.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in English, evidenced by an IELTS score of at least 6 overall, with a minimum of 5 in each component.
- Previous Participation: Applicants should not have previously participated in the MATES program.
No Employer Sponsorship Required
One of the standout features of the MATES scheme is that it does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer. This makes the application process more accessible and less dependent on individual job offers, allowing talented professionals to explore opportunities independently.
Permitted Activities and Benefits
Participants in the MATES program can:
- Live and Work: Reside in Australia for up to two years, with the flexibility to work in their chosen fields.
- Bring Family: Include dependents such as spouses and children, who will also have work rights without affecting the annual visa cap.
- Multiple Entries: Travel in and out of Australia multiple times without extending the visa duration.
- Extend Stay: Option to apply for another visa for temporary or permanent residency, provided eligibility criteria are met.
Application and Costs
The MATES scheme will commence its first ballot for visa registrations in December 2024. While detailed information on visa subclasses and application fees will be released soon, applicants should be prepared to cover costs related to English language testing and other application-related expenses. Additionally, there may be fees for adding dependents to the application.
Impact and Future Prospects
The introduction of MATES underscores Australia’s commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce. By attracting young professionals from India, the scheme not only supports Australia’s key industries but also strengthens bilateral relations between the two nations. This initiative aligns with the UGC’s vision to make higher education more flexible and efficient, enhancing the academic and professional experiences of students and graduates alike.
