Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in May 2023, the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) was established and formalised as a bilateral framework that supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between Australia and India and seeks to address systemic issues including but not limited to illegal and irregular migration, the arrangement aims to enhance cooperation and collaboration on migration issues while facilitate migration and mobility for students, visitors, professionals and businesspersons.
As part of the agreement, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented and Early-professionals pilot scheme ‘MATES’ was introduced to facility temporary mobility of Indian university graduates and early career professionals, tapping into the mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer between our countries.
The scheme will open up 3000 persons annually for young professionals under 30 years of age and with proficient English to travel and stay in Australia for two years without the need for sponsorship. The scheme is targeted towards recent graduates from Indian tertiary institutions to develop international work experience and expand their networks within the target sector and available to applicants whom hold an eligible qualification from the list. The list was developed to incorporate target sectors such as renewable energy, engineering, mining, ICT, AI, AgriTech and FinTech.
Implementation protocol is in the process of being developed, aiming to support the integrity of the scheme. Whilst the relevant legislation has not yet been enacted, further information and updates will be provided once information is released.
Nevertheless, the agreement and scheme marks an era of new collaboration and solidarity, fostering economic growth, talent exchange and strengthened ties.