Australia and China have declared the conclusion of discussions for a China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
The implementation of the agreement is subject to several treaty-making processes which might take some time in line with the implementation timeline.
1. Accessibility to Australia -corporate transferees, contractual companies. Installers and servicers and company visitors.
Australia will provide access that is guaranteed to Chinese citizens for the following groups:
Installers and servicers for up to 3 months
Company visitors for up to 90 days, or 6 months that are service sellers.
Australia will also provide entrance and stay for dependants and spouses of Chinese citizens which were granted entry, in compliance with all the FTA, for an interval of more than one year.
China and Australia have committed to process expeditiously applications supply timely information on visa application advancement, and ensure requirements and transparent procedures relating to the motion of all-natural persons of the other party.
So as to better facilitate the temporary entry of workers associated with trade and investment, China and Australia will even increase co-operation in the fields of licensing and skills acknowledgement, including through improving use of skills evaluations and supporting the streamlining of licensing processes that are relevant.
2. China to be contain in Holiday and Work Arrangements (WHA)
China and Australia have completed negotiations on a Work and Holiday Arrangement (WHA) under which Australia will grant visas for holiday makers and as many as 5,000 Chinese work per annum.
As truly one of the five super-growth sectors within the Australian economy, tourism is an investment and commerce priority for this particular Government – using the potential to be our fastest growing sector during the next three decades. The WHA support the development of the tourism sector, particularly in Australia in rural Australia and increase demand.
This will help deliver more jobs, increased economic and investment chances for communities.
No implementation date was pronounced.
3. Investment Facilitation Arrangements
Via a Memorandum of Understanding allowing for Investment Facilitation Arrangements (IFA) Chinese owned companies registered in Australia undertaking big infrastructure development projects above $150 million will not be unable to negotiate, similarly to Australian business, increased labour flexibilities for particular endeavors. This will definitely be achieved under arrangements similar to the former Enterprise Migration Agreements on a case by case basis.
IFAs will provide flexibility for firms to respond to the exceptional economic and labour market challenges related to substantial infrastructure development projects.
IFAs will run within the framework of Australia’s existing 457 visa system and won’t allow Australian employment laws or wages and states to be undermined. Eligible foreign workers under IFAs’ nationalities will be non-discriminatory, consistent with the 457 visa system in Australia.
