Discover how the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement is revolutionizing the recruitment process for qualified direct care workers from overseas in the Australian aged care sector. This comprehensive article provides valuable insights into the purpose of the agreement, the application process, and the enticing terms and concessions available.
The Purpose of the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
Streamlining recruitment: The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement simplifies the sponsorship of overseas workers in direct care occupations, such as Nursing Support Workers, Personal Care Assistants, and Aged or Disabled Carers.
Domestic workforce shortage: Employers can utilize this agreement when appropriately qualified Australians are not available, provided they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally.
Path to permanent residence: The agreement also enables employers to sponsor overseas workers for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa program, given they possess at least two years of relevant full-time work experience in Australia.
Applying for the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
Establishing an MoU: Aged care providers must first enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant industry union(s) such as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Health Services Union, or United Workers Union.
Application process: Once the MoU is in place, aged care providers can submit their labor agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs via the online ImmiAccount platform.
Seeking assistance: For more details on entering into an MoU, for any assistance or further inquiries about the labor agreement, you can contact NB Migration Law, a trusted resource specializing in migration law and services.
Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement Terms and Concessions
Pathway to permanent residence: Qualified overseas workers sponsored under the agreement enjoy a two-year pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme.
Streamlined visa processing: The agreement offers expedited visa nomination and priority processing for applicants, ensuring a more efficient recruitment process.
- Skills assessment and qualifications: Applicants should hold a relevant AQF Certificate III or equivalent, or possess 12 months of relevant work experience or part-time equivalence. Overseas qualifications require a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council or the Australian Community Workers Association.
- English language requirements: Workers must demonstrate an English language proficiency level of at least IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. However, workers employed by culturally and linguistically diverse aged care providers with target community language skills need a minimum of IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.
- Labour market testing: The agreement deems labor market testing requirements satisfied once aged care providers have established an MoU with the relevant union(s).
- For more information about the Skilled migration program, please visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs: New Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (homeaffairs.gov.au)
Conclusion
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement empowers Australian aged care providers to address workforce shortages by streamlining the recruitment of qualified direct care workers from overseas. By simplifying the application process and offering enticing terms and concessions, this agreement ensures the continued delivery of high-quality care in the Australian aged care sector.
Contact NB Migration Law today!
If you are an employer seeking assistance in obtaining the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement or an individual employee in need of advice regarding the sponsorship process and requirements, we recommend reaching out to our experts at NB Migration Law.
Our dedicated team specializes in migration law and services, and we are well-equipped to guide you through the intricacies of the labor agreement and provide valuable insights tailored to your specific situation. Contact our NB Migration Law experts today for reliable and comprehensive assistance.