Australia’s migration system has been deemed “not fit for purpose” and will be overhauled, following the release of a 186-page review that warned of the risk of exploitation of temporary workers.
Australia’s migration system has been deemed “not fit for purpose” and will be overhauled, following the release of a 186-page review that warned of the risk of exploitation of temporary workers.
Australia’s migration system has been deemed “not fit for purpose” and will be overhauled, following the release of a 186-page review that warned of the risk of exploitation of temporary workers.
Visa-seekers are waiting for further details in the federal budget.
Starting July 1, New Zealanders living in Australia for four years or more can apply directly for Australian citizenship without needing a permanent visa first.
New Zealand citizens holding Special Category (subclass 444) visas, who arrived in Australia after February 26, 2001, will see their period of permanent residence backdated while the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa stream is closed to new applications and will permanently close on July 1.
Australia will introduce the Pacific Engagement Visa, providing 3,000 places for eligible migrants from Pacific countries and Timor Leste. Allocations will be made through a yearly ballot process, and successful applicants can apply for permanent residence in Australia, which will open online applications.
In response to labor shortages, student visa holders have been allowed to work beyond the 40-hour fortnightly limit since the start of the pandemic. But this month, the relaxed restrictions will be reinstated with a cap of 48 hours per fortnight.
From this date, holders of subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visas may now stay in Australia for longer: Four years for those with bachelor’s degrees (up from two), five years for master’s degree holders (up from three), and six years for doctoral graduates (up from four).
Australia’s migration system review, led by former public service chief Martin Parkinson, identified key areas as “broken.” It proposed 38 reform directions, and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has made two announcements in response it.
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold has increased from around $53,000 to $70,000 for the first time in 10 years, with the new rate taking effect July 1. Minister O’Neil indicated that this is a “down payment” on Albanese government’s plans for a better migration system.
According to an official review, Australia’s migration program has failed to attract the most skilled migrants or provide businesses with a reliable talent pipeline. It also raised “clear evidence” of systemic exploitation and the risk of creating a permanently temporary underclass. The visa settings have enabled some migrants to become “permanently temporary,” it noted.
Official figures show Australia’s net overseas migration is set to reach 400,000 in 2021-22 and 315,000 in 2023-24. NOM is the difference between incoming and outgoing migrants for both permanent and temporary residents.
