April at Nomos
Though filled with many public holidays, April nevertheless proved to be just as dynamic as the months before it. Here’s a snapshot of what kept us busy:
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- First and foremost this month – we are extremely proud to announce that Director Kathryn Viegas has, for the fifth consecutive year, been recognised in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers. Best Lawyers is compiled each year and ranks the nation’s top legal talent based on peer evaluations within the legal industry. Kathryn appears alongside a number of her respected peers, all recognised for their prodigious legal skills and ongoing contributions to the profession. Our current clients will not be surprised at this recognition; Kathryn is renowned for her consistently excellent work in skilfully managing the complicated and complex immigration matters that our clients bring to her.
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- The legislative changes kept coming this month, with announcements relating to age exemptions for some applications in the Employer Nomination Scheme (‘ENS’) and the introduction of the ability to apply for a third short-term Temporary Skills Shortage (‘TSS’) visa onshore. These changes demonstrate the Government’s attempts to proactively respond to industry demand for labour, as business recovery post-pandemic has reinforced the need for temporary visa holders in Australia. These visa holders are vital to many industries that are now trying to rebuild. As a result, we have seen many changes that are proving to be beneficial to many temporary visa holders. The changes are complex, so if you think they might impact your immigration options, please contact us for an analysis of your personal circumstances.
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- The Government is now in ‘caretaker mode’, with the federal election scheduled for Saturday 21 May 2022. As always, both major candidates (Scott Morrison, Liberal Party, and Anthony Albanese, Labor Party) have touched on their plans for the Australian immigration landscape should they win the election. According to information published by SBS online, Labor has stated that immigration would form a vital component of their policy agenda, particularly with respect to ending the Australian economy’s dependency on short-term visa holders while also vowing to make it easier for temporary residents to become permanent residents. Conversely, according to this SBS publication current PM Scott Morrison has reinforced his party’s focus on protecting Australia’s border and has criticised the Opposition’s approach to border security and the party’s intention to abolish temporary protection visas. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald online, the Labor Party has been in opposition to temporary protection visas (as they were abolished by PM Kevin Rudd in 2008 and then reinstated by the Coalition in 2013), claiming that they deny asylum seekers a reasonable pathway to permanent resettlement while also being costly, bureaucratic and unnecessary. With just over 3 weeks left until election day, we expect immigration to remain a hot topic for both parties and for voters.
That’s the Nomos wrap-up for April. See you next month!
*This is general information only, as at the date of publication, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For an accurate and current assessment of your circumstances and visa options, please contact us to receive this advice.
