Australia Immigration Latest News- Immigration world over is witnessing a growing shift towards the less populous developed nation with the biggest land mass and which is the only country which is also a Continent – Australia, the land of never never and Land of Opportunities has become byfar the Biggest Migration Nation in the World. 30% of Australian Population was born overseas. And this is going to only increase with the Albanese governments latest proposed reforms around immigration especially with a renewed thrust towards India, what with Anthony Albanese calling Indian PM welcome, grander than the rock star Bruce Springsteen and catapulting PM Modi to a BOSS status. That we all know may be the political connotation, but it spells good times for India.
That said a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement has been signed by the Leaders of India and Australia for ease of immigration of students, graduates, academic researchers and professionals between two nations both ways. As per the agreement signed on 24th May’2023, landmark reform is coming our way from 1stof July 2023. Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders graduating from Australian Higher education institutions will be eligible for extended post study visa options of upto 6 years. Bachelor degree holders can stay for 4 years, Masters can stay upto 5 years and Post doctoral degree holders can stay upto 6 years.
Additionally a new Pilot program called The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early- Professionals Scheme is in the pipeline for eligible Indian Nationals with 3000 places up for grabs in the Renewable energy, mining, artificial intelligence, AgriTech, FinTech, ICT and engineering. However a formal word on this is still awaited, but this does bides for good times.
In general things are looking up for the Immigration sector with multiple new reforms expected from 1 July 2023 for the prospective migrants.
The guidelines for reform has been around creating a three tiered assessment system, fewer visa types, focus on retaining the graduates, and overhauling the points test system to select migrants who are most likely to make “greatest long term- economic contribution”.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) raised to $70000. DHS has confirmed that 30th June 2023 would be last day for the current minimum of $53900, post which the new threshold of $70000 would be implemented.This would be a good measure for the domestic workers as that will stop undercutting of wages by employers.
By the end of 2023, another reform kicks in, to broaden the pathways to permanent residency for all Temporary Residency Transition (TRT) candidates sponsored on TSS visa. They would now be also be eligible to file for Subclass 186 Permanent Residency Visa along with TSS Subclass 482 candidates on the MLTSSL list. The wait time has been reduced from 3 years to 2 years. All Nomination and Visa requirements needs to be still met.A review of the three Occupation lists may also be underway wherein all the Occupation lists viz; Medium to Long term Strategic Shortage list (MLTSSL) , Short term skilled occupation list (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) be merged and Permanent Residency pathway option be given to all TSS Visa holders.
Good news might be up for temporary migrants as they may be allowed to move employers and exercise work rights without violating their visa condition.
Effective from 1st July 23, Student visa holders would be eligible for 48 hours part time work up from 40 hours a fortnight. The minimum work hours limit does not apply to the aged care workers and are exempt till December 2023.
Overall, Due care would be given to labor shortage in essential services like the care sector and strengthening relations with Pacific neighbors. Points test is set to go under review keeping the Australia’s productivity, participation and addressing the ageing population challenges. Faster pathways to skilled migrants and graduates which the economy needs is discussed. The 2023-24 outlook target for skilled migrants have been kept at 190000 which is part of 315000 Net Overseas Migration(NOM)