Summary of Changes to Migration Law and Policy -
Australian Federal Budget 2024
As migration experts, we stay updated with the latest changes in Australia’s migration policies – so we can provide you with accurate and timely advice.
In this blog, we’ll cover the significant updates from the 2024 Federal Budget that impact the Australian Migration landscape.
If you are affected by any of the below changes and need personal guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we can offer our expertise for a solution.
Key Changes in the Permanent Migration Program
Increased Planning Horizon:
- The 2024-25 permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places, with about 71% allocated to the Skill stream. The rest is mostly allocated to the Family stream (Parent, Partner and Child visas)
- From 2025-26, the planning horizon will extend from one year to four years, ensuring better management of the migration system.
Reduced Net Overseas Migration:
- Net overseas migration is estimated to reduce by 110,000 people from 1 July 2024, halving from 528,000 in 2022-23 to 260,000 in 2024-25.
Migration System Reforms
Funding for Reform:
- The government will allocate $18.3 million over four years to reform Australia’s Migration system.
- This includes $15.0 million for information and education activities for migrant workers and $1.9 million for a data-matching pilot between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office.
Staffing and Efficiency:
- Significant investment in staffing for Services Australia and the Department of Home Affairs to improve service delivery and visa processing times.
Enhancements in Southeast Asia Engagement
Additional Funding:
- The government will invest $505.9 million over five years to enhance engagement with Southeast Asia, including improving visa access for ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste.
Work and Holiday Visa Updates
New Ballot Process:
- Introduction of a visa pre-application (ballot) process for China, Vietnam, and India from 2024-25 to manage demand and application processing times.
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES):
- New program for Indian nationals starting 1 November 2024, providing a mobility pathway for 3,000 graduates and early career professionals.
Introduction of National Innovation Visa
Replacing Global Talent Visa:
- From late 2024, the National Innovation Visa will replace the Global Talent Visa, targeting exceptionally talented migrants to drive growth in key sectors.
- The Australian Government is introducing a new visa program aimed at providing a permanent residency pathway for the most exceptionally talented migrants. This includes high-performing entrepreneurs, major investors, and renowned global researchers. The National Innovation visas issued in 2024-25 will fall under the Global Talent visa Program.
- To ensure a smooth transition to the National Innovation visa, the Department of Home Affairs will support all applicants, including those who have already applied for the Global Talent visa. Rest assured, existing Global Talent visa applicants will not be negatively impacted by this transition.
Ceasing of BIIP:
- The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) will cease from July 2024 onwards. Business owners and entrepreneurs can still access other programs like Global Talent or Skilled visas to migrate to Australia.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Adjustment
Reduced Work Experience Requirement:
- The work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will be reduced from two years to one year from 23 November 2024.
Establishment of the Administrative Review Tribunal
Addressing Backlogs:
- $1.0 billion over five years to establish the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and address backlogs in the federal courts.
Reforms to Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services
Enhanced Support:
- $120.9 million over five years to improve settlement services and promote better economic and social outcomes for refugees and migrants.
Targeted Programs:
- Continued support for youth, women, and Afghan humanitarian entrants through various targeted programs.
Conclusion
These recent updates reflect the government’s efforts to improve the migration system, enhance economic engagement, and ensure the well-being of migrants.
For more detailed and specific information, it is recommended to consult with a Registered Migration Agent.
Please feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice and support. We look forward to helping you achieve your migration goals.
Contact Us for Personalized Consultation
Ten Heads assists with all stages of all visa processes and provides personalized advice and assistance with your migration journey.
Please contact us at:
- Phone: +61 452 577 272
- Email: contact@tenheadsimmigration.com
- Office Address: Brisbane Technology Park, 3 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains 4113 QLD Australia
Our team of experienced migration agents is here to help you navigate the complexities of the Australian migration process and achieve your goals. For more information about our services, feel free to navigate to our About Us or Visa Services Page.
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