What’s new with Australian visas in 2024?
What’s new with Australian visas in 2024?
With the recent update to the Visa Policy after the Nixon Review, it is essential to understand the technical ins and outs of the Australian Migration system. Here are some key insights that we think will benefit you as a skilled worker seeking a Working Visa in Australia.
The Australian Government released the Migration Strategy on 11th December 2023. It includes important changes to Australia's migration system to meet the country's future needs and benefit its people, businesses, governments, and migrants. Migrants are an essential part of Australia's economy and society. Currently, over half of all Australians were either born overseas or have a parent who was. The Migration Strategy highlights five main goals for Australia's migration system. The Government plans to implement eight actions to achieve these goals, along with over 25 new policy commitments and existing commitments.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000 from July 1.
“The reforms focus on:
targeted skilled migration and new streamlined pathways for top global talent
higher standards for international students and education providers to drive quality in international education
visa settings to tackle worker exploitation and protect wages and conditions, Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000 from July 1.
support for regional Australia to get fast access to skilled workers
a new approach to migration planning to help return migration to pre-pandemic levels and get the right skills in the right places.”
Source - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1153
Lets see what is changing;
The Australian government will introduce a new “skills-in-demand visa” visa to replace the temporary skill shortage visa. This visa pathway will potentially have a 7-day turnaround application processing time, which is fantastic for new “Skills in Demand Visa” migrants to Australia.
Migration plans for 2024 and the impact on Australia’s housing mark
Australian government continually adapts its visa policies to meet the evolving needs of its economy and society; aspiring expatriates must stay informed about any upcoming changes or reforms in the immigration system. Regularly checking official government sources will ensure you are well-prepared and can plan your relocations accordingly.
Let’s look at the numbers.
The Australian government announced that the 2023/2024 permanent Migration Program planning will be set at 190,000 places. Compared to the total of 195,000 places allocated for the 2022/2023 period.
The Migration Program addresses skills shortages in the local workforce by attracting workers with specialist skill sets. The program builds resilience, boosts productivity and supports the local economy.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the 2023/2024 permanent Migration Program is composed as follows: around 140,000 places are allocated for the Skill stream, approximately 50,000 places for the Family stream (this category includes approximately 40,000 Partner visas and 3,000 Child visas, among others), and 400 places for the Special Eligibility stream.
The Skill stream aims to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market; the Family stream enables Australians to reunite with family members from abroad and support them in their journeys to citizenship; and the Special Eligibility stream is saved for those in exceptional circumstances, such as permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.
For detailed information about the number of places allocated per category and how it compares to the previous year, visit this outline written by the Department of Home Affairs.
Here are some essential information points to know about the 2023/2024 permanent Migration Program:
● The slightly reduced planning level for the Skilled Independent visa category results from the closure of the New Zealand stream of subclass 189 (Skilled – Independent) visa from 1 July this year. This change is due to a new direct pathway to citizenship for Special Category visa holders who meet citizenship eligibility requirements.
● To ensure smooth delivery of the 2023/2024 Migration Program, the Australian government will provide an additional $48.1 million over 12 months to extend funding for 500 visa processing officers.
● The government is further investing $27.8 million over two years to upgrade existing visa ICT systems, which will enhance the efficiency of Australia’s visa service delivery.
● The Permanent Migration Program forms part of Australia’s Net Overseas Migration (NOM), which also considers temporary migrants such as students and holiday workers, along with Australian citizens, New Zealanders and humanitarian migrants.
● NOM is expected to be 315,000 in 2023/2024, compared to the forecasted 400,000 in 2022/2023. NOM forecasts are said to return to their regular pre-pandemic patterns from 2024/2025.
How does the Migration Program impact Australia’s housing market?
The dynamics of visa issues are not isolated from the broader economic landscape, including the housing market. Despite Australia experiencing significant employment growth across various industries, the rental crisis poses a unique challenge. Job vacancies – and visa applications – have surged, but the pressing question remains: where will workers live, especially those unable or unwilling to purchase property?
We have previously written about Australia’s rental housing shortage, particularly in major capital cities like Perth and Melbourne. Australia is grappling with its lowest national rental vacancy rate in decades, signalling a rental crisis amidst a surge in employment rates. This scarcity has led to increased rental prices and heightened competition among tenants.
In a recent article published in the University of Queensland Contact Magazine, Professor Cameron Parsell, Dr Ella Kuskoff and Professor Tim Reddel deep dive into Australia’s housing crisis, specifically in the Queensland region. They emphasise the urgent need to invest in various strategies to get more affordable and social housing on the ground. “The confronting reality is that the market will not provide sufficient supply of affordable and safe housing for all citizens, without a suite of legislative and financial policy mechanisms from government, at all three levels,” they write.
Several factors contribute to the saturated rental market. The exodus of Australians from capital cities to regional areas and the reopening of international borders have intensified demand. The return of expats, international students, and migrant workers is further straining rental conditions, especially in favoured relocation destinations.
Government initiatives and professional relocation support services, like those offered by Claymore Thistle, aim to help you with these issues and provide viable solutions for a smoother transition to life in Australia.
Why seeking help for relocating is a wise move.
Navigating the complexities of visa applications can be challenging; with the help of professional migration & relocation agents, you can simplify the process to focus on the exciting part of the big move rather than the relocation becoming a stressful Odyssey. On top of that, the Australian government warmly welcomes expats to join the local workforce. The visa system values families and social networks, offering generous opportunities for relocating spouses, children, parents and other family members to Australia.
The adaptive visa policies, as outlined for the 2023/2024 Migration Program, reflect a strategic focus on addressing skills shortages and building resilience in the local workforce.
If you are ready to relocate to the Land Down Under and would like to learn more, feel free to take the opportunity to book a complimentary information consultation. Head to the Claymore Thistle blog for all the best insider tips for moving to Australia.
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