Highlights from the Australian Federal Budget 2024-25 Regarding Immigration

The Australian Federal Budget for 2024-25 has introduced several significant changes and initiatives in the immigration sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to shaping the future of migration in Australia. Here are the key highlights:

Permanent Migration Program

The government is planning a 2024-25 permanent Migration Program with 185,000 places, out of which 132,200 (approximately 70%) will be allocated to the Skill stream. This program aims to attract highly skilled individuals to contribute to the Australian economy and address skill shortages.

Net Overseas Migration Trends

Following a peak net overseas migration of 528,000 in 2022-23, projections indicate a decline to 395,000 in 2023-24 and further to 260,000 in the upcoming financial year. This trend reflects adjustments in migration policies and global mobility patterns post-pandemic.

Extended Planning Horizon

Starting from 2025-26, the government plans to extend the planning horizon for the permanent Migration Program to four years. This longer-term planning aims to provide more stability and predictability in migration policies.

Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa

Effective from November 23, 2024, the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will be reduced from two years to one year for all applicants. This change is expected to make it easier for skilled workers to enter the Australian labor market.

Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Ballot Process

A visa pre-application (ballot) process will be introduced for the capped Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program for China, Vietnam, and India starting in 2024-25. This new system aims to manage the high demand for these visas more efficiently.

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES)

From November 1, 2024, the government will launch a new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) program for Indian nationals. This program will allow 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals (aged 18 to 30 years) with targeted knowledge and skills to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This initiative is part of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).

Extended Visitor Visa Validity for Indian Nationals

Under the MMPA, the validity of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) for Indian nationals under the Business Visitor stream will be extended from up to three years to up to five years. This extension aims to facilitate longer business engagements and strengthen bilateral ties.

National Innovation Visa

By late 2024, a new National Innovation visa will replace the current Global Talent visa (subclass 858). This new visa aims to attract exceptionally talented migrants to drive innovation and economic growth in Australia.

Discontinuation of Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP)

The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) will be discontinued. Starting from September 2024, refunds of the visa application charge will be offered to those opting to withdraw their BIIP application. This move signals a shift in focus towards other immigration pathways that better meet Australia’s economic needs.

Investment in Administrative Review and Migration Hubs

The government will allocate $1.0 billion over five years from 2023-24 to establish the Administrative Review Tribunal and address extremely high migration backlogs in the courts. This includes $115.6 million over four years from 2024-25 (and an additional $194.2 million from 2028-29 to 2035-36) to establish two migration hubs dedicated to hearing migration and protection matters. This investment aims to streamline the processing of migration applications and reduce delays.

These initiatives and changes outlined in the 2024-25 Federal Budget highlight the government’s strategic approach to managing Australia’s immigration system. The focus is on attracting skilled migrants, enhancing bilateral relationships, and improving the efficiency of the immigration process.

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