MATES

TAG:  GS-2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Australia has introduced a new stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa. This ‘Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals’ (MATES) is designed to attract young professionals from India and is part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

EXPLANATION:

What is ‘Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals’ (MATES)?

• The MMPA is a bilateral framework that supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between our two countries while addressing illegal and irregular migration issues. On May 23, 2023, Australia and India signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).
• The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme, or ‘MATES’, is a new scheme established under the MMPA to enable the temporary mobility of Indian university graduates and early career professionals.

• The MATES of the 403 visas aim to facilitate the entry of skilled, early-career professionals from India into Australia aimed at facilitating talent exchange in high-demand industries.
• It encourages mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer between Australia and India.
• This program is expected to be competitive, having just 3,000 places annually.

• Under the scheme, Indian graduates and early career professionals (aged 18 to 30 years) with knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study will be offered a new temporary mobility pathway, to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

Eligibility Criteria for MATES:

• • Must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application
  • Have proficient English language skills
  • Have graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application
  • Have not previously participated in MATES
  • Hold a qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher) in target fields of study.

• There will be no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer to be eligible to apply for a visa as part of MATES.

What are the permitted activities? 

• MATES participants will be able to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.
• Whilst there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their nominated field of study, it is designed to support young professionals expand their skills and networks, particularly within the specified sectors.

• • As a pilot initiative, MATES will initially offer 3,000 places for primary applicants per program year.
• Participants will be able to apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children). Dependents will have work rights in Australia, and will not count towards the annual cap.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/all-about-mates-a-new-scheme-for-young-indians-to-work-in-australia-9669891/