Migration Planning Levels for 20/21 Financial Year as a result of COVID – 19 pandemic   As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Budget has been deferred until 4 October 2020. This has significant implications for all government departments dependent on the financial allocations made as part of the Budget decisions, including the…Read More

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has recently announced the government was looking into ways to resume international travel. “I think there will be the opportunity for Australians to engage in essential business travel,” he told 2GB Radio. Scott Morrison said that international travel was already open for a small number of businesses, “provided the quarantine arrangements are…Read More

Overview of latest COVID-19 information from the Department of Home Affairs for Businesses and Employers.   The Department of Home Affairs has recently provided information to assist specific industries as well as employers affected by the ongoing pandemic.  These measures are designed to assist Australian employers and key industries recover from the effects of the…Read More

Australian Red Cross announcement – Assistance to Temporary Visa Holder   The Red Cross has announced on its website that it will be receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support to temporary visa holders who have no way to support themselves and who have…Read More

The following measures in relation to temporary visa holders have been announced by the government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Further announcements are expected in the near future. Temporary skilled and student visa holders able to access superannuation Acting Minister Tudge has today announced that temporary visa holders will be able to access up…Read More

  Department of Home Affairs relaxes 417 and 462 visa rules to assist in bushfire recovery in specified areas. The Department of Home Affairs has decided to relax and broaden the conditions for holders of Subclass 417 and 462 Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Maker visas to allow visa holders to assist in the…Read More

REGIONAL CERTIFYING BODY FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS NSW for s494 VISA For employers based in the Blue Mountains in NSW, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that the Central West Regional Development Authority has been appointed as the RCB for this regional area. Please note that it is a requirement for the 494 visa, that…Read More

Horticultural Industry Labour Agreement announced The government has announced a new Horticultural Industry Labour Agreement to commence 1 January 2020. From 1 January 2020, horticultural employers will be able to submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor a migrant worker to come to Australia and fill one of the 31 approved…Read More

Global Talent Independent Program More details have been released by the Department of Home Affairs regarding this program. This program aims to offer a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly skilled individuals to work and live permanently in Australia. The program is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to compete for the world’s best and brightest…Read More

Occupations for Subclass 494 visas The Government has released a new Legislative Instrument that lists the eligible occupations and ANZSCO codes for the new 494 visa. These lists for the SC 494 are made up of the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and the Regional Occupation List (ROL). There is a total of…Read More