On 14 May 2024, the Albanese Government announced the Budget, which includes several changes to Australia's migration program. This alert focuses on changes affecting skilled and working visa categories and how these changes might affect employers of visa holders.
The Budget follows the Migration Strategy released in December 2023, which announced big changes to Australia's migration program, especially the employer-sponsored program. The Budget does not include major changes to the employer-sponsored program, suggesting these changes will be delayed until at least next year.
Key Changes Proposed
The Australian government has set a limit of 185,000 permanent migrants, focusing on skilled workers. They are also increasing funding to ensure employers follow rules and to educate workers.
The work experience requirement for the TSS visa has been reduced by half.
The Business Innovation and Investment Visa and Global Talent Visa programs will be replaced by the National Innovation Visa.
Migration Program Numbers
For 2024/25, the Australian government has set the permanent migration program at 185,000 places. Over 70% of these are for the Skill stream, which includes employer-sponsored and independent skilled permanent visas.
Compliance and Integrity
The government is increasing efforts to ensure employers follow rules. They have announced an extra $15 million over three years for initiatives to educate migrant workers about their rights and workplace rules. There will also be a pilot program to match data between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office to review income and employment information.
Reduction of TSS Work Experience Requirement
Currently, the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (TSS Visa) requires applicants to have two years of full-time relevant work experience. From 23 November 2024, this requirement will be reduced to one year.
Removal of Business Innovation and Investment Visa and Global Talent Visa
The government will remove the Business Innovation and Investment Visa and the Global Talent Visa from the migration program. These visas will be replaced by a new National Innovation Visa in late 2024, which will focus on attracting exceptionally talented migrants who can drive growth in important sectors.
International Student Numbers and Housing Supply
The government plans to work with international education providers to limit the number of international students enrolled at any given time. New regulations will be introduced, linking the number of international students a university can enroll to its available student housing. This aims to reduce pressure on the housing market.
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