Temporary Migration in Australia

Temporary migration plays a significant role in the Australian economy. Temporary migrants work in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, healthcare, construction, and hospitality. They also make a significant contribution to Australia's cultural and social diversity.

There are a number of different types of temporary visas available to people who want to come to Australia. The most common types of temporary visas include:

• Working visas: These visas allow people to come to Australia to work for a specific employer.

• Student visas: These visas allow people to come to Australia to study at a registered educational institution.

• Working holiday visas: These visas allow young people from certain countries to come to Australia to work and travel for up to one year.

Current challenges

One of the biggest challenges facing temporary migration in Australia is the exploitation of temporary workers. Temporary workers are often vulnerable to exploitation because they may be afraid to report abuse for fear of losing their job or visa.

Another challenge is the complexity of the temporary migration system. There are a number of different types of temporary visas available, and the eligibility criteria for each category can vary significantly. This can make it difficult for people to identify the right visa for their needs and to prepare a successful application.

Recent Updates

The Australian government continues to consider ways in which labour shortages across Australia can be addressed to support economic recovery post-pandemic whilst prioritising skilled workers.

Announcements have been made that indicate the Australian Government’s intention to allow Subclass 482 visa holders in the short-term stream to apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, and for Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream visa applicants to be eligible after two years of sponsorship on a Subclass 482 visa as opposed to the current three-year requirement. These changes are only announcements at this stage with legislative changes yet to take place.

Further, the Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa for Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19) has closed. From 2 September 2023, this visa will only be available to those who already hold a Subclass 408 visa, who may be eligible for a subsequent Subclass 408 visa prior to the program closing completely on 1 February 2024.

Conclusion

Temporary migration is an important part of the Australian economy, and the government is committed to making the system fairer and more efficiently to support Australian industry. The anticipated changes are a positive step in the right direction.

To review your visa options, book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.