Australia’s Skilled Migration in 2024: What You Need to Know About Recent Changes

Oct 7, 2024

Australia’s skilled migration program underwent significant changes in 2024, reflecting the country’s transforming economic demands and focus on attracting top global talent. Revisions to visa categories, changes to eligibility requirements, and an emphasis on priority professions are all part of the updated migration pathways as Australia seeks to address considerable labor needs. Understanding these updates is crucial if you’re a skilled professional looking to migrate to Australia.  This blog offers a comprehensive overview of the latest updates, helping you stay informed about the policy shifts shaping Australia’s workforce and migration landscape in 2024.

Key Changes in the Skilled Migration Program for 2024

– Increased Focus on Specific Sectors and Regional Areas
Australia’s 2024-25 migration program has introduced adjustments to address labor market shortages in key sectors. Sectors like healthcare, teaching, information and communication technology (ICT), and skilled trades remain at the top of the priority list. In particular, regional areas have been given higher priority, with increased visa allocations for state and territory-nominated categories.
33,000 visas are designated for regional applicants. The program aims to balance economic growth and address regional workforce gaps by attracting skilled workers to less-populated areas.

– The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
One of the key changes in 2024 is the increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150. This threshold determines the minimum salary required for employers to sponsor a skilled worker. The adjustment reflects the rise in average wages in Australia and aims to ensure that visa holders under Australia’s skilled migration program are paid competitively, protecting them from exploitation.

– Changes to the Skilled Independent Visa
The< Skilled Independent visa, traditionally a popular choice for skilled migrants without an employer or state sponsorship, has decreased places for the 2024-25 cycle. This category now offers 16,900 visas, a sharp drop from 30,375 in the previous year. However, this category remains valuable for those with high-demand skills despite the reduction.

– Employer-Sponsored Visa Categories
The employer-sponsored visa categories remain a significant component of the migration program, with 44,000 places allocated. This increase from the previous year supports pathways for skilled workers to transition to permanent residency. Additionally, this category allows employers to sponsor migrants to fill specific roles in shortage, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education.

– Introduction of Skills in Demand Visa
Replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, the Skills in Demand Visa has three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Entry Skills. This visa category primarily targets high-demand fields like healthcare, ICT, and trades, ensuring the country fills essential workforce gaps. Designed to streamline the skilled migration to Australia process, the visa offers a fast-tracked route for qualified individuals, benefiting industries with the most pressing needs. The program directly responds to the labor shortages exacerbated by the pandemic and the aging population.

– Addressing Worker Exploitation
Recent legislative changes have been made to protect temporary migrant workers from exploitation. The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024 introduced stricter regulations and penalties for employers who exploit temporary visa holders. Key measures include criminalizing coercion to breach visa conditions, increasing penalties for non-compliance, and temporarily barring offending employers from hiring additional temporary workers. These changes aim to create a safer and more secure work environment for migrants, making Australia a more attractive destination for labor dreaming of skilled visas of Australia.

– Starting the Workplace Justice Pilot Program
Another important development is the introduction of the Workplace Justice Pilot. This visa allows temporary migrants who have faced exploitation at work to remain in the country while they pursue legal recourse. This is a significant move towards protecting temporary workers’ rights and ensuring they have a pathway to justice if mistreated. As of now, this pilot program will be for two years, effective July 2024.

– Visa Pathways and Eligibility Adjustments
Several visa categories have also been modified. For instance, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is phased out in favor of the new National Innovation Visa, effective July 2024. This shift aligns with Australia’s long-term goal< of attracting highly skilled individuals who can drive innovation and contribute to economic growth.
In addition, applicants for postgraduate work visas must now meet more stringent age and qualification criteria. For example, the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, a key pathway for international students, now limits eligibility to those aged 35 or younger at the time of application. Similarly, specific trade qualifications must align closely with the occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Wrapping Up

While we have provided an overview of the recent policy updates for skilled migration to Australia, it might not be easy for every skilled visa seeker to evaluate their qualifications according to the wide eligibility criteria. At this point, a seasoned Australian skilled immigration consultant can be the torchbearer. If you are someone from Dubai and Qatar and seeking reliable immigration advise, forget your worries! We at GMRS Consultants are the best immigration consultants service in Dubai and Qatar for Australia skilled visas. Consult with us and move to Australia through the right program.

 

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