Australia approves FNQ DAMA enhancements to assist with skill shortages
A Deed of Variation was signed on 30 March 2022 by the Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke to enhance the Far North Queensland (FNQ) DAMA occupations. To help manage regional skill shortages, DAMAs allow employers in that region to access positions that may not typically be available for sponsorship. They also make eligibility concessions available on […]
Businesses in WA’s Pilbara to recruit overseas workers this year via new DAMA
Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke has just signed a new five-year Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to help fill critical labour shortages in Pilbara. This is an agreement between the Commonwealth and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Pilbara, in partnership with the Town of Port Hedland and the City of Karratha. To help manage regional skill shortages, […]
International students getting removed from Australia due to fake documents
Australian visa authorities have become more strict in checking documentation attached to student visa applications. Recently, more international students are deported upon landing in Australia due to fraudulent documents on their visa applications. Unidentified migration agents in India were reported to have attached fake pieces of evidence on the financial capacity, educational degrees, and work […]
Things to know before travelling to Australia in 2022
UPDATE: Pre-flight COVID-19 testing will no longer be required for travellers coming to Australia after April 17, 2022 – provided they are fully vaccinated and wear masks on flights. After having some of the world’s longest lockdowns for nearly two years, Australia has finally reopened its borders to everyone on 21 February 2022 and […]
South West WA approved for a DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement)
Western Australia’s South West region will enter a five-year Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the Commonwealth. This will allow employers to hire skilled workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa labour agreement stream and may give opportunities for the workers to get permanent residency in Australia. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural […]
Australia to welcome international students, skilled migrants, and refugees by Christmas
Around 200,000 eligible international students, skilled migrants, and refugees would be returning to Australia within weeks without a need for an exemption as the country moves to its final stage of the national reopening plan, Australian media reported. Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Australia without quarantining for the first time since March 2020. “It’s the […]
Australia’s plans for international border reopening
After almost 600 days of pandemic closure, Australia has lifted its international travel ban on November 1 for the first time. This allowed its citizens, as well as permanent residents in New South Wales, Victoria, and the capital Canberra to finally travel overseas without the need of an exemption – provided they are fully vaccinated. […]
Australia lifts S48 bar for subclass 491, 494 or 190 onshore applicants
Onshore applicants affected by the section 48 bar and COVID-travel restrictions can now lodge applications for the following skilled migration visas: Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa Section 48 of the Migration Act stops people who have had refusals […]
Things to remember when travelling or sending goods to Australia during Covid-19
Quarantine rules in some Australian regions have been relaxed since November 1, leading to an influx of international travellers who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families. Soon enough, it will be everyone. It is important to not be complacent, especially on biosecurity laws. Here are the things to remember when travelling or […]
Australia announces new permanent residence visa streams for Hong Kong nationals
In a statement by the federal government on Monday, about 9,000 Hong Kong nationals in Australia will have the chance to acquire permanent residence status with two new visa streams opening on March 2022. “These new visas will provide a pathway for temporary graduates and temporary skilled workers from Hong Kong currently in Australia on […]