April at Nomos
Though marked by many public holidays including Easter and Anzac Day, April proved to be no less jam-packed than the previous months this year. Here’s the Nomos snapshot of the month:
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- The broadest-reaching event of the month was the announcement of a “major overhaul” of the Australian immigration system by the government. The full scope and range of these changes are yet to be known, but they stem from the recommendations set out in the Review of the Migration System that was concluded in March 2023. One change is definite, though, with Minister Clare O’Neil confirming that the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (‘TSMIT’) will be increased from AU$53,900 to AU$70,000 per annum from 1 July 2023. The Minister also indicated that Temporary Skill Shortage (‘TSS’) short-stream visa holders will be provided a pathway to permanent residency within the existing capped permanent programme. This change is due to be implemented by the end of 2023. Some of the other changes proposed by the Review include:
— A simplification of the migration program, with fewer visa classes and less complexity
— Greater mobility for temporary visa holders in the labour market, which is expected to reduce the potential for migrant worker exploitation
— Changes to the way the Australian labour market is tested, with a move towards a ‘new approach that is endorsed by key stakeholders and provides a more forward-looking, data-driven model for identifying skills needs that also takes account of domestic training and workforce planning efforts’
— More pathways to permanent residence
— A redesign of the student visa program and how this contributes to skilled migration
— A review of the utility and relevance of skills occupations lists
— More efficient and effective skills assessment processesWe welcome this as a positive sign that the current government is willing to change the program in line with Australia’s evolving labour needs. If you want to stay up to date with our take on these developments as they arise, follow our LinkedIn page.
- The broadest-reaching event of the month was the announcement of a “major overhaul” of the Australian immigration system by the government. The full scope and range of these changes are yet to be known, but they stem from the recommendations set out in the Review of the Migration System that was concluded in March 2023. One change is definite, though, with Minister Clare O’Neil confirming that the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (‘TSMIT’) will be increased from AU$53,900 to AU$70,000 per annum from 1 July 2023. The Minister also indicated that Temporary Skill Shortage (‘TSS’) short-stream visa holders will be provided a pathway to permanent residency within the existing capped permanent programme. This change is due to be implemented by the end of 2023. Some of the other changes proposed by the Review include:
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- It was reported during April that Australia’s migrant population is expected to have increased by more than 700,000 people between 2022 and 2024 as the world starts to leave the pandemic behind. This is thanks in part to a return of both international students and working holiday-makers that came following the re-opening of the border, who came in at a rate that was faster than anticipated. While pre-pandemic migration intake was around 235,000 per year, Australia is expected to have taken in 400,000 in the 2022-23 migration year and 315,000 in the 2023-24 migration year. The intake includes both temporary and permanent residents but discounts visitors and tourists.
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- We are also very pleased to share that Kathryn Viegas has once again been included in the Best Lawyers in Australia list for 2024, recognising her expertise in immigration law. She has been recognised on this list annually since 2018. This list is peer-reviewed and Kathryn is in excellent company. Kathryn and all at Nomos are very grateful to have the opportunity to work with clients in what can be a very challenging field.
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.