Golden Plains Shire is proud to be a Safe Haven for special visa holders.
All postcodes within the Shire have now been classified as “regional” under the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa program.
This means residents living in the Shire with Safe Haven Enterprise Visas are eligible to apply for permanent visas after three and a half years of working or studying without income support.
Previously, only some Golden Plains Shire postcodes were identified as “regional” for the purposes of the special visa. However, Council petitioned the Federal Government last year to include all Shire postcodes after hearing the plight of a new resident who had emigrated from Afghanistan.
While working in Golden Plains Shire was not a violation of this resident’s visa, the time spent working in postcodes not designated in the SHEV program was not counted toward the required three-and-a-half years for future visa eligibility.
Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson MP confirmed last month the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman, had designated the remaining postcodes in Golden Plains Shire as “regional” under the SHEV scheme.
Mayor Owen Sharkey said the regional zoning of all Shire postcodes should attract new residents to the Shire.
“On behalf of Golden Plains Shire residents, Council welcomes all people with Save Haven Enterprise Visas to our region,” he said.
“The Shire is already rich with culture and diversity and inviting new residents seeking a new life can only benefit our communities.
“We would encourage these visa holders to engage in community groups and events and hopefully settle into the Shire as long-term residents.”
For more information about the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa program, visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/safe-haven-enterprise-790