Latest Australian immigration policy changes, migration program updates and regulatory news.
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In a significant step towards addressing the evolving needs of Australia’s aging population, the Australian government announced the introduction of the new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. This agreement opens up new avenues for aged care providers to tap into a global pool of skilled care workers and address their workforce shortages otherwise not available through the standard visa programs. This streamlined process allows employers to bring in overseas talent to fill crucial roles in the aged care sector for specific occupations, where suitably qualified Australians are not readily available. Aged care providers are able to recruit foreign workers for a period of up to 4 years through the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS) visa or permanently through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) (ENS) visa.
In a groundbreaking announcement on December 11, 2023, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of Australia’s visa program. At the heart of the reforms is enhancing the overall integrity of Australia’s migration system. The proposed changes include creating clear permanent pathways in the Skilled Migration program with the aim of mitigating migrant worker exploitation, revamping the General Skilled Migration program, and enhancing international education standards with significant changes to the student and graduate visa programs to enhance Australia’s attractiveness as an international destination.
The Northern Territory (NT) DAMA II has recently been extended for one-year, prolonging its validity until December 13, 2024. Notably, significant changes have been implemented to facilitate easier access for NT employers to the program.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is now accepting applications for the Skilled Work Regional (provisional) Subclass 491 visa program through Pathway 1. This pathway is designed for individuals who possess a well-established work history with a regional employer in NSW.
From 1 February 2024, the COVID 408 visa will be closed to all applicants. This visa, initially introduced during the
Australia and the UK have forged ahead with transformative changes in the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and Youth Mobility Scheme, sparked by the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA), which took effect on May 31, 2023.
Introducing the Pathway for Professional Exchange between the UK and Australia The Innovative Exchange and Career Skills Enhancement Program (IECSEP)
On December 11, 2023, the Australian Government revealed its Migration Strategy detailing modifications to the procedure for applying for student visas. Starting March 23, 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion will be replaced with a new requirement called the Genuine Student (GS) test for submissions of Student visa (subclass 500) applications.
