Aged Care
New route for aged care migrants
The federal Labor government has introduced a new pathway for aged care employers to sponsor foreign workers as skilled migrants.
Employers can now sponsor direct care workers on skilled visas through a new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement instead of having to negotiate company-specific labour agreements for each individual provider.
The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement entitles the sponsor to bring in overseas care workers for a period of up to four years on a temporary basis, or for permanent residence after two years of employment.
The sponsor will need to enter into a memorandum of understanding with an aged care union to access the labour agreement.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said this approach would help to address workforce shortages “while also protecting workers and promoting good jobs”.
“In recognition of the increased vulnerability of temporary migrants, newly sponsored care workers will have an opportunity to speak to their union shortly after commencing, should they wish to do so,” he added.
The three occupations listed under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement are nursing support worker, personal care assistant, and aged or disabled care carer.