CANBERRA, Australia – The Australian Government has unveiled new updates to the visa conditions for skilled workers, set to take effect on July 1, 2024. The changes, announced by the Department of Home Affairs, target visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 to address unfair labor practices and enhance labor market mobility for temporary immigrants.
The updates affect holders of the following visas:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
- Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Under the new regulations, visa holders will have extended time to find a new sponsor or apply for a different visa if they leave their current sponsoring employer. They will now have a 180-day grace period, with a maximum total of 365 days, to secure a new visa or arrange for departure from Australia.
During this period, workers can accept employment in roles not listed in their current sponsorship nomination. This change aims to ensure visa holders can support themselves while seeking new sponsorship.
Note: Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in their situation within 28 days.
Australia’s New Migration Strategy
The Australian Government is also planning a significant increase in immigrant invitations to address labor shortages. The new migration strategy, introduced on December 11, 2023, outlines eight key actions and over 25 immigration policies aimed at prioritizing visa processing.
On May 14, 2024, the Government announced that the permanent Migration Program for 2024-25 would be set at 185,000 places. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address labor shortages and improve the overall migration process.