Would-be skilled migrants are still waiting for their 489 visas

In 2019, applicants for the 4-8-9 regional skilled temporary migrant visa were told processing times were around eight months. Three years later, these are their stories.

The wait for 489 regional skilled temporary migrant visas has stretched to three years. Source: SBS

In 2019, several thousand people applied for a 4-8-9 visa with the hope of making Australia their home.

It's a visa for skilled migrants to work in regional and high-needs parts of Australia, so with labour shortages, applicants were hopeful.

The Australian government's website at that time said waiting times were around eight months, so applicants paid the $4,000 fee, and hoped.

---

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm.

Follow us on Facebook and catch us up on podcasts.