Australia's New Migration Strategy - Impacts for Employers

Migration Strategy Session

The Federal Government released a new Migration Strategy in December 2023. This strategy is the result of a wide-ranging review conducted by the government and will lead to the greatest changes to Australia’s migration system in decades. Of particular interest to employers will be:

1. The replacement of the Temporary Skills Shortage visa (TSS or 482) with a Skills in Demand visa. This visa will offer three pathways, essentially delineated by salary (above $135,000, $70,000 to $135,000, and below $70,000). All three will offer a path to permanent residence.
2. Worker mobility – workers will no longer be tied to one employer, but will be able to move between employers, within limitations.
3. Enhanced legislation, powers and penalties to combat worker exploitation. This will include a public register of all business sponsors, how many temporary skilled workers they are employing, and the nominated occupations.
4. A quick wrap-up of other changes including reduced Labour Market Testing requirements, and changes to graduate visas, student visas and occupation lists.

30 minutes will be allocated for questions and discussion at the end of the one hour session.