If a worker is on a long-term placement for the full 4 years, does the worker have to leave Australia after the 4 years is complete?
- The 6-month mandatory offshore period for PALM scheme workers on long-term placements applies after 4 continuous years of work in Australia.
- There is no requirement for a worker to leave Australia during the 4-year placement unless he/she does not have a valid visa. (Please note: not all long-term workers will receive a visa for the entire 4 years – the length of their visa is linked to the duration of their employment contract).
- Workers can leave Australia multiple times during their placement. A mandatory offshore period is only required when workers reach the end of their 4-year visa.