As we close out the first quarter of 2024, the landscape of Australian migration continues to change and our newsletter is where you can keep track of all the changes. Here’s a glance at the most noteworthy developments affecting visas and migration this year so far:
As we move deeper into 2024, the Australian economy’s pulsating demand for skilled professionals across critical sectors—such as IT, Hospitality, Marketing, and Construction—paints a vivid picture of the current skills crisis. In response, our government and migration policies have adapted, presenting new pathways and simplifications in visa processes to ensure you can tap into the global talent pool effectively. Here’s the essential roundup of changes and how they could be your lever for growth in these challenging times:
Labour Market Testing – More exemptions
Recent clarifications around Labour Market Testing (LMT) have unveiled exemptions for Malaysian nationals, marking a strategic shift to facilitate smoother sponsorship and employment processes. This adjustment mirrors the broader governmental intent to streamline international cooperation and workforce mobility, ensuring you have quicker, more efficient access to the skilled workers necessary to fill critical gaps in your operations.
Recapping: these are the passport holders to whom Labour Market Testing doesn’t apply:
China, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, Chile, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore. UK and Malaysia
When you have to conduct Labour Market Testing – what is required
Employers are required to test the market by advertising the position for a minimum period of time and in a certain manner.
- At least 2 ads must be posted in online job websites with national reach
- Ads must be posted within the 4 months immediately preceding the nomination application date, ensuring the testing is recent and relevant.
- Ads must run for a minimum of four weeks, offering sufficient exposure to the Australian job market
- The ads need to follow a strict format required
- Evidence must be lodged with the Nomination application.
Prioritising Certain Sponsorship Applications
With the introduction of Ministerial Direction No. 105, the focus sharpens on regional Australia’s growth and the expedited processing of skilled visa applications. This new directive aligns with a commitment to bolster regional economies and ensures that businesses sponsoring skilled workers in key sectors or regions can expect prioritised processing.
Applications will be processed in this order:
- Regionally located positions
- Accredited Sponsors
- Positions in healthcare and education
This applies to the following visa subclasses:
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Sponsorship Visas on the Rise: Your Pathway to Skilled Talent
As a reflection of the acute lack of skilled talent still affecting Australian employers, we have seen a rise in sponsorship visa applications. Government continues to support and encourage the use of this program and we have seen that the sectors screaming for talent include IT, Hospitality, Marketing, and Construction. Our role is to help you navigate the complexities of sponsorship for international workers providing the expertise and support necessary to you so to secure visas for your staff. Reach out to discuss how we can tailor this opportunity to your specific needs, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives in these times of skill scarcity.
As your partners in navigating the Australian migration landscape, we’re here to ensure you stay informed, prepared, and one step ahead in leveraging these policy updates to your advantage.
The path to overcoming the skills shortage and powering your business forward in 2024 is through strategic, informed action.
Let’s discuss how these updates can be turned into actionable strategies for your business. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your talent acquisition strategies are not just effective, but transformative.
Get in touch by replying to this email or calling us on 02-9216-6600
