Australia’s Skilled Migration Program: Updates and Changes for 2024-25
The Australian government has revealed the Migration Program for 2024-25, which describes the government’s strategic intent to target skilled migrants, create an efficient migration system, and protect migrants’ vulnerable groups.
The Australia Skilled Migration from Qatar developed goals for the distribution of the selected number of migrants according to economic, social, and demographic purposes while considering the country’s best interests for the future. The public has been consulted on the proposed 2024-25 Migration Program.
The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program has the following composition:
Skill stream (132,200 places, about 70. 6% of the program)—This stream is aimed at raising the economic productivity of people and enhancing skills demanded by the skills shortage in the Australian employment market, including the regional one.
Family stream (52,500 places, or just over 28% of the program) – As the name suggests, this stream mainly includes Partner visas to allow Australians to sponsor their relatives living in other countries and give them an opportunity to become citizens. Of this stream:
It is assumed that about 40,500 Partner visas are going to be granted for 2024–25 in planning, and this category is demand-driven.
When planning, 3,000 Child visas are projected for 2024–25, even though this category is demand-driven.
Special Eligibility stream (300 places)—As suggested by the title, this stream deals with people who have a special reason to be in Australia, such as permanent residents who have been residing in other countries for some time and wish to return to Australia.
Levels of Migration Planning, as declared in the 2023–24 and 2024–25
Visa Stream
Visa Category
2023-24 planning level
2024-25 planning level
Skill
Employer Sponsored
36825
44000
Skilled Independent
30375
16900
Regional
32300
33000
State/territory nominated
30400
33000
Business innovation and investments
1900
1000
Global Talent(Independent)
5000
4000
Distinguished Talent
300
300
Skill Total
137,100
132,200
Family
Partner
40500
40500
Parents
8500
8500
Children
3000
3000
Other Family
500
500
Family Total
52500
52500
Special Eligibility
400
300
Total Migration Program
1,90,000
1,85,000
Here is additional information on Australia Immigration Requirements:
Australia Migration Process 2024:
1. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase
TSMIT has increased from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150 to adjust the temporary skilled workers wages and avoid the leakage of the Australian labour market. Employers sponsoring skilled workers have to consider this new upland.
2. Changes to Visa Conditions
Subclass 482, 457, and 494 visas have been subjected to changes in condition (8107, 8607, 8608) and have provided more flexibility. Independent visa holders have the right to get a new sponsor, request an alternative visa, or prepare for immigration within 90-180 days or 365 days during the visa validity to support financial independence.
3. New Exceptions for UK Citizens with Working Holiday Visa
UK citizens in the age group of 30-35 years are now eligible to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, where certain restrictions regarding work have been done away with for the improvement of the purpose of cultural exchange.
4. Work and Holiday Visa for the Citizens of the Philippines
Young people, particularly those from the Philippines and are between 18 and 30 years can apply for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa, entitling them between 12 months in Australia for work and holiday making to Australia provided the applicants meet educational requirements.
5. Migration From Business Innovation And Investment Program (Biip) To The National Innovation Visa
The BIIP has now been shut in favor of the National Innovation Visa; this is attractively laid out and alongside the key points of the strategic plan, wants to ease procedures in favor of innovation.
6. Immigration includes the subsequent aspects that are affected by the 2024-25 Budget:
The budget enshrines measures related to immigration policies where the PM’s Permanent Migration Program will be limited to 185,000 places to meet long-term skills shortages.
7. Visa Hopping Restrictions
New measures for temporary visa holders make it impossible to apply for a student visa while in Australia. Applicants are forced to apply in their home country or look for a skilled job that can lead to PR.
8. Amendments to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program
Some changes in the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) include changes in names and categorizations of the streams to fit the market demand and skills shortages.
9. Closing of skilled-recognised graduate visa
Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa subclass 476 has stopped accepting new applications and shifted its attention to other skilled migration options.
10. Assistance for Applicants of Partner Visa
New laws offer relief for partner visa applicants who are subjected to family violence by having enhancements in the demand for permanent residence and the application process.
11. Employer sanction amendment to the Migration Act
Measures have been further raised to increase employer obligation with migration laws, such as increased penalties and new civil penalty provisions.
12. Immigration Australia Permanent Residency
Australia Permanent Residency Visa allows you to be a permanent resident. You have to apply for it to live in Australia permanently. Examples of permanent visas are skilled work and family visas.
These updates have indicated that Australia remains one of the nations that is serious about handling migration since its impacts are felt within the nation’s priorities while recognizing the rights of individuals involved in this process.
Conclusion:
The permanent migration program is a system issued in Australia to meet diverse political, economic, social, and demographic goals and priorities with reference to Australia’s long-term strategic priorities. For the strategic planning of Australia’s Migration Program for 2024-25, the Department called for public input.
Recently, the Australian government announced its 2024-25 Migration Program, which includes strategies related to attracting skilled migration, improving the system’s efficiency, and supporting the envisaged deal for refugees and asylum seekers. Now, let’s move in deeper and look at the specifics from the perspective of human rights.