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Navigating the PALM Scheme: An In-Depth Guide for Workers from Timor-Leste and Pacific Island Countries
The PALM scheme is a program that allows Australian businesses to hire workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. This scheme helps fill jobs in rural and regional Australia, and in the agriculture sector all over Australia. It’s a great way to gain work experience, earn money, and experience life in Australia.
The Evolution of the PALM Scheme
The PALM scheme was established to address unskilled, low-skilled, and semi-skilled labour shortages across rural and regional Australia, and in the agriculture sector nationally. The scheme was consolidated and launched on April 4, 2022, replacing existing Pacific worker programs, namely the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS). This simplification reduced administrative duplication and made it easier for stakeholders to engage with the program. Lear more here about the PALM Scheme factsheet - Minister for foreign affairs.Who Manages the PALM Scheme?
The PALM scheme is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). They work in partnership with the Pacific Labour Facility (PLF) to connect Australian employers with Pacific workers. Lear more through the official page of the Australian Government departments of foreign affairs.Participating Countries in the PALM Scheme
The PALM scheme is open to 9 participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. These countries are Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Each of these countries has unique attributes that make their workers well suited to different kinds of employment in Australia.Work Sectors under the PALM Scheme
Under the PALM scheme, you can work in any sector and in all regional and rural areas. This includes jobs in:1. Agriculture and select agriculture-related food product manufacturing sectors: This includes jobs like fruit picking and cleaning.
2. Hospitality and Tourism: This sector includes jobs in restaurants, hotels, and other service industries. Roles can range from kitchen staff and waitstaff to housekeeping and management positions.
3. Retail: Workers in this sector can work in a variety of settings, including supermarkets, clothing stores, and other retail outlets. Jobs can include sales assistants, cashiers, stockers, and more.
4. Delivery Services: This sector has seen significant growth with the rise of online shopping. Delivery drivers are needed to transport goods from warehouses to customers.
5. Caregiving: Caregivers provide assistance to individuals who require help with daily tasks. This can include elderly care, childcare, and care for people with disabilities.
6. Security: Security personnel are needed in a variety of settings, from retail stores to office buildings. Their role is to ensure the safety and security of people and property.
7. Factory Work: Factory workers are involved in the production of goods. This can include operating machinery, assembling products, and quality control.
8. Meat Works: Workers in this sector are involved in the processing of meat products. Roles can include packers, cleaners, rubbish removalists, slaughterers, boners, butchers, and machine operators.
9. Mining: The PALM scheme allows workers to be employed in the mining sector. Roles can include miners, equipment operators, and safety inspectors.
10. Aquaculture: Workers in this sector can be placed in hatcheries, marine farms, or in seafood processing centers. Roles can include fish farm workers, seafood processors, and equipment operators.
11. Construction: Workers can be employed in the construction sector. Roles can include laborers, equipment operators, and site managers.
12. Automotive: The automotive sector is also open for employment under the PALM scheme. Roles can include mechanics, assembly line workers, and quality control inspectors.
Visa Process and Required Documents
To work under the PALM scheme, workers need to obtain a visa. There are two types of visas available: the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Temporary Skill Work Regional (TSWR) visa.The visa application process is typically handled by the approved employer in Australia who is sponsoring the worker. However, the worker must provide necessary documents for the application. These include:
The PALM scheme is a fantastic opportunity for workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to gain valuable work experience, earn a competitive wage, and contribute to the Australian economy. If you’re interested in taking part in this scheme, we encourage you to reach out to your local LSU for more information.
Remember, the PALM scheme is more than just a job - it’s a chance to experience a new culture, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Embrace this opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. So why not give it a try? This could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.
Good luck!
- Passport biodata page: The name and date of birth entered in the application must match the passport exactly.
- Police Clearance Certificate: If the total stay in Australia exceeds 12 months, a police clearance certificate(s) must be provided for any country the applicant has resided in for 12 or more months in the last 10 years.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a formal job offer in Australia.
- English Language Skills: Applicants must meet English language requirements appropriate to the tasks to be performed.
- Character Requirement: Applicants must meet character requirements.
- Health Requirement: Applicants must meet health requirements.
- Immigration Medical Examinations: PALM visa stream applications must be submitted to the Department to generate Immigration Medical Examinations (IME) requirements and a HAP ID. Applicants require the HAP ID to organize an appointment with a Panel Clinic and for the panel clinic to upload their results to their visa application.
How Long Can You Stay in Australia?
There are two types of visas you can get under the PALM scheme. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 18 months (or 36 months for some jobs). The Temporary Skill Work Regional (TSWR) visa lets you stay for up to 4 years.What Are the Benefits?
There are many benefits to working under the PALM scheme. You will be taxed at a rate of 15% on your income, which is higher than other visa holders. You will also have access to Medicare health insurance and social security payments like JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance. Plus, you will be protected by the same workplace rights and laws as Australian workers.How to Apply?
Interested candidates must apply through the labour sending unit (LSU) in their home country. Each participating country has its own LSU that interested candidates can contact for more information about how to apply. You do not need to pay or give gifts to anyone to join the PALM scheme.Role of Labour Sending Units (LSUs)
The Labour Sending Units (LSUs) in each participating country play a crucial role in the PALM scheme. They facilitate the recruitment process and work with approved employers to identify recruitment needs. Once the workers are selected, the employers provide offers of employment to the LSUs for the selected candidates and commence travel arrangements. In addition to these roles, LSUs may also be involved in pre-departure briefings (PDBs) to prepare workers for their journey to AustraliaThe PALM scheme is a fantastic opportunity for workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to gain valuable work experience, earn a competitive wage, and contribute to the Australian economy. If you’re interested in taking part in this scheme, we encourage you to reach out to your local LSU for more information.
Remember, the PALM scheme is more than just a job - it’s a chance to experience a new culture, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Embrace this opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. So why not give it a try? This could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.
Good luck!
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