February at Nomos
The year’s shortest month has proven no less full than last month. Take a look below at the major developments of February:
-
- The biggest news of the month came on 21 February 2022, when Australia reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers holding a range of visas for the first time since they were slammed shut in the early months of 2020 in response to COVID-19. More than 50 international flights touched down on the day (the most since the pandemic began in earnest), including 27 flights to Sydney airport. The reopening of the border has been met with immense excitement for many across Australia who can finally welcome family and friends back onto our shores after almost 2 full years in relative isolation. Businesses have also welcomed the reopening of the border, as this means that skills shortages can finally be addressed. If you are looking to recruit global talent, get in touch to see how we can assist.
-
- The findings of a December 2021 independent survey commissioned by the Human Rights Law Centre and now released to the public) have revealed that most Australians are overwhelmingly in support of providing temporary visa holders with pathways to permanent residence. According to the recently released results of the study, approximately 78% of surveyed Australians believe that PR pathways should be made to migrants already living and working within Australia. The report also highlighted that 58% of those surveyed believe that migrants help fill skills shortages for particular jobs in Australia, contributing vitally to our economy. 55% of respondents also agreed with the statement that ‘migrants should have stability to plan for their future here no matter what type of visa they hold’. Legal director for the Human Rights Law Centre, David Burke, said “… the Federal Government’s visa system is keeping people in limbo and often unable to reunite with their family even when they have lived and worked here for years… These results show that people clearly recognise the injustice of policies that are leaving their neighbours, colleagues and friends stuck in uncertainty simply because of the visa they hold.” Hopefully these sentiments will be reflected when the Minister’s plans to introduce “enhanced visa pathways to permanent residence for existing Temporary Skill Shortage(subclass 482) visa holders in the short-term stream and legacy Temporary Work Skilled (subclass 457) visa holders who no longer meet the age requirement” are announced.
-
- In light of recent developments in Ukraine, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that automatic visa extensions for six months will be provided for Ukrainian nationals in Australia who have a visa expiring up to 30 June 2022. Visa holders will not need to do anything to take advantage of this arrangement. If you have an urgent need for visa assistance, please get in touch
That’s the Nomos wrap-up for February. 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.
