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The Australian Government unveiled its initial comprehensive budget following the 2022 election on May 9, 2023, which encompasses numerous declarations concerning the migration program and the Department of Home Affairs.
Rise in the Levels of Migration Planning
A total of 190,000 seats have been set aside for the migration planning level for 2023–24, of which 137,100 will go to the skilled migration stream.
The surge in fees Imposed by the Government
Starting from July 1, 2023, the government will increase Visa Application Charges (VACs) by 6% to 40%, depending on the subclass, as outlined below:
The Australian government has announced that Visa Application Charges (VACs) will be increased effective from July 1, 2023. The percentage of the increase will depend on the visa subclass. Visitor, working holiday, work and holiday, training, temporary activity, and temporary work (short stay specialist) visas will incur a 15% increase. Business innovation and investment visas, on the other hand, will face a more substantial increase of 40%. The increase for other visas will be 6%. However, the Pacific Engagement Visa and Pacific Australia Labor Mobility visas will be exempt from any increase.
Elevation of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Starting from July 1, 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will be raised to $70,000, a significant increase from its current value of $53,900.
Significant Increase in Visa Processing, Compliance, and Monitoring Efforts
To address the backlog of visa applications, the Australian government has allocated $75.8 million over two years starting from 2023-24 for the enhancement of visa processing capacity. Additionally, to reinforce enforcement and compliance activities, an amount of $50.0 million will be disbursed over four years, with $15.3 million per year on an ongoing basis.
Actions Concerning People Trafficking and Domestic Violence
Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) and Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP) funding have been continued through January 2025 with a $38.2 million budget.
Additionally, $24.3 million has been allocated for four years beginning in 2023–2024. Additionally, $5.9 million will be given yearly to revamp the Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) and include another referral pathway. This increase in financing is intended to meet the program’s expected future demand as well as current needs.
Immigration Assessment Authority
The Youth Transition Support services will receive an extension for a year until 30th June 2024 with a funding of $9.1 million allocated for the year 2023-24.
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
There are plans to implement a new delivery model for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), which will provide better outcomes for migrants in terms of English language proficiency, employment opportunities, and settlement.
Reviews of Precedent about Thoms High Court Case
For four years, $5.5 million will be allocated to create a pathway towards permanent residency for non-citizens or non-permanent residents who meet the tripartite test as established in Mabo v Queensland [No.2] (1992) 175 CLR 1, as a result of the High Court’s verdict in Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth (2020) 270 CLR 152.
Those individuals, who qualify for the Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851), will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and avail themselves of important government services, entitlements, and programs.
Restrictions on Working Hours for International Students
Beginning July 1, 2023, international students holding a visa will be restricted to working a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight, except those employed in the aged care industry. The work-hour limit will be strictly enforced.
Post-Study Work Rights for Temporary Graduates
As per the earlier announcement, Temporary Graduate visa holders (subclass 485) holding specific degrees will be entitled to an additional two years of post-study work rights, effective from July 1, 2023. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the skilled labor supply chain in crucial industries.
Additional training opportunities will be made available to employees of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme in industries that are important to the region and Timor-Leste. This is intended to bridge job vacancies in Australia and support labor mobility.
To improve the employability prospects of onshore migrants, the government is modifying two Skills Assessment Pilots. The re-scoped pilots will allow speedy skills assessments, free employability evaluations, and access to supplementary training.