Federal Government announced new regional visas to encourage migrants to work and live in remote and regional areas

Australian Visa

Australian Visa Source: SBS

Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced new regional visas designed to encourage migrants to work and live in remote and regional areas long-term. The approach has been welcomed by some communities, like the town of Leeton, in the Riverina region of New South Wales. But it's also led to calls for more Government support to help towns facilitate population growth .


The scenery of Leeton in the New South Wales Riverina is strangely familiar for one of its newest residents: Pakistani migrant Ali Hussein. 

"Very beautiful, same but a little bit different from in Pakistan but I really enjoy it in there. Also I enjoy this region area because I'm also from Pakistan (in) like a regional area."

Mr Hussein migrated to Australia five months ago to join his wife, Ayesha. 

While he's settled well in Leeton his first move to Perth in Western Australia was a struggle. 

"It's easy, it's easy for me (now) but in (at the) start I came here and I could not find a job."

Mr Hussein received help from Regional Opportunities Australia, a newly-established organisation that links migrants with long-term employment. 

Please listen the full report in Bangla by clicking the audio player above 


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