Hong Kong passport holders take up option to extend their visas

More than 2500 Hong Kong passport holders have had their stay in Australia extended under the new visa options introduced following Beijing’s introduction of new security laws in the territory.

More than 2500 Hong Kong passport holders have had their stay in Australia extended under the new visa options introduced following Beijing’s introduction of new security laws in the territory.

Amid the chaos in the former British colony, Home Affairs said there had also been a jump in applications from Hong Kong passport holders for temporary visas.

The Department said the offer of five-year extensions for those on temporary graduate and skilled worker visas had been taken up by 2584 Hong Kongers.

An additional 5568 Hong Kong student visa holders in Australia would also become eligible for a five-year temporary graduate visa on the successful completion of their tertiary studies.

The number of temporary graduate visa applications from the territory has spiked by more than 100 per cent to 209 since the July 9 announcement of the new rules.

Applications for temporary skilled worker visas were also up by more than 100 per cent this year on the same period last year, to 56.

The amended visa rules encourage skilled workers and recent graduates from Hong Kong to remain in Australia or relocate to the country.

Scott Morrison has also declared the government will seek to attract entire businesses to relocate from Hong Kong to Australia, as net migration plunges – with serious economic impacts – due to the COVID crisis.

“Our government will develop further incentives to attract these companies, particularly where they have a strong potential for future growth and employment of Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

The move infuriated Beijing, with the Chinese Embassy accusing Australia of groundless accusations, hypocrisy and gross interference.