Emphasis Placed on Sponsor Migration to Orana Region

When it comes to finding new employees, business owners are encouraged to take advantage of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme in their recruitment process.

RDA Orana Director of Regional Development Megan Dixon said the organisation can assist regional employers wishing to sponsor skilled workers into positions which cannot be filled using the local labour market under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187).

“The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) is utilised to enhance Australia's ability to compete globally and guarantee an overall net benefit to the Australian economy,” Mrs Dixon said.

“This enables employers in regional areas of Australia to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals with specific skills to obtain a permanent work visa.”

“The real advantage of the 187 visa is that is also binds the sponsored employee to the business for two years,” Mrs Dixon said.

Due to an extreme number of applications, RDA Orana has temporarily closed its 489 scheme, which is a ‘self-sponsored’ pathway for migrants.

“We have closed 489 visa applications due to overwhelming demand for places,” Mrs Dixon confirmed.

“Demand has exceeded the number of 489 places we are allocated. While we currently have an influx in regional Australia and the jobs that are available in the Orana region, we are only allocated a limited number of 489 visa places per annum.

Mrs Dixon said that RDA Orana has been in discussion with the business community and government to increase migrant intake using the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

“We have had the conversation with industries that the right candidate can walk into a job in the Orana region and there are good career options guaranteed.”

“While we have had to close the 489 visas, we are still taking 187 visa applications. Businesses struggling to attract skilled workers are encouraged to contact the office,” she said.

Workforce development remains a key priority for RDA Orana. Visit www.rdaorana.org.au or call 02 6885 1488 to discuss workforce opportunities.

Pictured are some of the first Korean trainees to move to Dubbo.