What is Section 84B?

Section 84B comes from the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026.

It allows the Government to temporarily pause entry into Australia for certain groups of temporary visa holders if needed.

This is designed to:

• Protect Australia’s migration system
• Respond quickly to global events like conflict or crisis
• Reduce the risk of visa overstaying

It is important to note that this is a reserve power. It is not automatically applied.

When would this power be used?

The Government can only activate this power if:

• There is an event happening outside Australia
• There is a risk some visa holders may not return home after their visa ends
• The decision is in the national interest
• Approval is given by senior government officials, including the Prime Minister

In practice, this means it would only be used in serious and specific situations.

How would it work?

If activated:

• The Minister would issue a formal direction
• Airlines may be instructed to deny boarding to affected travellers
• Certain temporary visas may stop being valid for travel into Australia during that time

These measures are:

• Temporary only
• Limited to a maximum of 6 months

Once lifted, visas can become valid again.

Who is NOT affected?

The law includes clear protections.

It does not apply to:

• People already in Australia
• Permanent visa holders
• Certain humanitarian visa holders
• Immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents

There is also flexibility through a permitted travel certificate, which allows travel in special cases.

The most important update: What does this mean right now?

At this stage, we want to reassure you:

👉 No visa subclasses, industries, or nationalities are currently affected

This means:

• There is no impact on existing visa validity
• There are no travel restrictions in place
• Visa holders can continue to travel in and out of Australia as normal
• Employer-sponsored workers can continue working and travelling without disruption

For employers, your workforce planning remains unchanged.

While there is no current impact, it is still good practice to stay prepared.

We recommend:

• Keep track of your employees’ travel plans
• Ensure all visas remain valid and compliant
• Encourage employees to travel only when necessary
• Be cautious about travel to countries marked as “do not travel” by the Australian Government
• Stay updated through official channels or Milestone Migration updates

Our guidance moving forward

This new law is designed to give the Government flexibility in rare situations and does not affect everyday travel or current visa holders.

At Milestone Migration, we closely monitor updates from the Department of Home Affairs and will keep you informed of any changes that may impact you, your employees, or your business.

Every employer and visa situation is different. If you would like tailored advice or want to ensure your workforce remains compliant and protected, speak with us today for clear, practical guidance.