On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government unveiled its new federal budget, outlining key changes and allocations in various sectors, including immigration. Here’s a breakdown of some significant immigration announcements:
Permanent Migration Program
In the upcoming financial year, the government plans to cap the Permanent Migration Programme at 185,000 places, with the majority earmarked for the Skill stream. This marks a slight reduction from the previous year, reflecting a focus on long-term skill needs.
Here’s a comparison of migration places across visa categories for 2023–24 and 2024–25:
Stream | Category | 2023–24 Planning Levels | 2024–25 Planning Levels |
Skill | Employer Sponsored | 36,825 | 44,000 |
Skilled Independent | 30,375 | 16,900 | |
Regional | 32,300 | 33,000 | |
State/Territory Nominated | 30,400 | 33,000 | |
Business Innovation & Investment | 1,900 | 1,000 | |
Global Talent (Independent) | 5,000 | 4,000 | |
Distinguished Talent | 300 | 300 | |
Family | Partner | 40,500 | 40,500 |
Parent | 8,500 | 8,500 | |
Child | 3,000 | 3,000 | |
Other Family | 500 | 500 | |
Special Eligibility | 400 | 300 | |
Total Migration Program | 190,000 | 185,000 |
Decreasing Net Overseas Migration
Government interventions are expected to reduce net overseas migration by 110,000 individuals from July 1, 2024, onwards, aiming to halve migration numbers compared to 2022–23.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Changes
Starting 23 November 2024, the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa will decrease from two years to one year.
Work and Holiday Visa Changes
To manage demand and processing times, a new visa pre-application ballot process will be introduced for visa applicants from China, Vietnam, and India for the Work and Holiday visa program, starting 2024–25.
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)
From 1 November 2024, the MATES program will offer a new pathway for 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Extending Business Visitor Visa Validity
The Business Visitor visa validity for Indian nationals will extend from up to three years to up to five years.
Introduction of the National Innovation Visa
A new National Innovation visa will replace the Global Talent visa, aimed at attracting exceptionally talented migrants in vital sectors.
Southeast Asia Engagement
Allocations will be made to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia, including improving visa access for member countries of ASEAN and Timor-Leste.
Migration System Reforms
The Australian government has committed $18.3 million over four years, starting from 2024–25, to reform the migration system. This includes $15.0 million for migrant worker education on workplace safeguards and $1.9 million for a pilot data-matching program between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office. These initiatives aim to enhance system efficiency and ensure the welfare of migrant workers while strengthening monitoring capabilities.
Staffing of Agencies
Significant investments in staffing for 2023–24 aim to rebuild service delivery capacity and reduce backlogs and improve visa processing times at the Department of Home Affairs.
Administrative Review Tribunal Establishment
The new Administrative Review Tribunal will replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, with a significant $1.0 billion allocation over five years to manage high volumes migration decision review applications.
For further clarity on these developments and their impact on your immigration pathways, contact Stone Group Lawyers today to book an initial consultation.
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