ANU Masters graduate sculptor Anton Poon, whose work is included Drill Hall Gallery collection and featured in the Sculpture in the Paddock awards, has been caught up in the recent changes to the 457 visa categories. Following the removal of the profession of “sculptor” from key occupations lists, Mr Poon, who is currently completing an artist residency at Canberra Grammar School cannot apply to remain in Australia and now faces a forced return to Hong Kong when his current working holiday (417) visa expires this year. Speaking in the Canberra Times, Mr Poon said: “I’ve already completed a skills assessment as a sculptor and met all the conditions, and I was preparing to lodge a full application this week, but now I don’t know what I’ll do”
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