The Australian federal parliament has achieved a significant foreign policy milestone by passing legislation that paves the way for the introduction of a Pacific Engagement Visa. 

The new Pacific visa scheme opens doors for up to 3,000 individuals from the region to permanently settle and work in Australia each year. 

The road to this legislative victory was not without its challenges as the federal government initially encountered resistance in the Senate as the Coalition, Australia's ruling party, expressed its opposition to proposed lottery election method for visa applicants. 

However, in a strategic move, the opposition Labor Party successfully brokered an agreement with the Greens, securing their support for the bill. 

In return, the government committed to reviewing a controversial mechanism that allowed the rejection of temporary visa applications for individuals with disabilities, which had imposed significant financial burdens on Australian taxpayers.

With minor amendments, the visa legislation swiftly sailed through the House, ensuring its passage into law. 

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A ‘revolutionary’ win for labour

This landmark development has garnered praise from key figures, including Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy, who considers it a pivotal step in the Albanese government's efforts to build a Pacific diaspora in Australia. 

Conroy described the policy as “revolutionary in nature,” emphasizing the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening ties with the Pacific nations.

While the Coalition supported the government's objective of fostering closer bonds with the Pacific, it remained opposed to the random ballot method. 

The onus now falls on the government to demonstrate that the lottery mechanism and the Pacific Engagement Visa serve the interests of both Australia and participating nations.

Concerns about the lottery system

Notably, some legal advocates have voiced concerns about the lottery mechanism, emphasizing the need for clearer and more certain pathways to permanent residency for Pacific Island nationals. 

Joshua Strutt, the principal solicitor for the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, highlighted that the “gamification” of the migration system is unfair and leads to uncertainty for applicants.

However, the government remains steadfast in its belief that the lottery system will ensure equitable access to Australia while preventing a "brain drain" from the Pacific. 

Read: Is New Zealand losing workers to brain drain?

Professor Stephen Howes from the Australian National University pointed out that a similar visa scheme using a ballot had functioned successfully in New Zealand.

Additional benefits

Beyond this legislation, plans are in motion to introduce separate legislation that would grant Pacific Engagement Visa holders access to additional welfare benefits. 

The government aims to launch the program in the first half of the next year, with the first visa holders expected to begin settling in Australia by 2024.

One crucial aspect yet to be determined is the allocation of the 3,000 visa spots among the different Pacific countries. 

Minister Pat Conroy indicated that efforts are ongoing to decide these allocations, with a focus on ensuring they are broadly in line with the populations of the respective countries. 

Australia is committed to ensuring that Pacific nations are comfortable with their allocated spots.

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Stronger ties with the Pacific

In a broader context, this development is seen as a potential transformative moment in Australia's relationship with the Pacific. 

For the first time, the country has opened a "Pacific window" into its permanent migration program, signaling a significant elevation of the Pacific's status in Australia's foreign policy.

As this policy takes root and the Pacific Engagement Visa program unfolds, it is expected to create a wealth of opportunities for both the Pacific nations and Australia, further cementing their ties and fostering cooperation in various spheres.