Planned 15-Hour Shutdown of Australia’s Online Visa Systems Set for 28-29 November
DFAT Re-issues ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Russia, Urges Australians to Leave Immediately
South Australia Opens 2,250 New Skilled-Migration Nomination Places for 2025-26
Latest News
Northern Territory Skilled-Migration Portal Re-opens Today After Allocation Boost
From today, the Northern Territory will accept new Subclass 190 and 491 nomination requests after receiving 1,650 skilled-migration places for 2025-26. The move re-opens a key pathway to permanent residency for critical-skill workers and gives employers on major defence and resources projects fresh recruitment options.
Partner-Visa ‘Sham Marriage’ Rorts Back in Spotlight as Commentators Warn of Systemic Loopholes
A MacroBusiness column claims Australia’s partner-visa programme remains vulnerable to sham marriages, arguing that weak sponsorship rules are inflating bridging-visa numbers and prolonging processing queues. The commentary could spur calls for stricter evidentiary standards in the next migration-policy review.
Darwin Airport Reopens After Cyclone Fina; Airlines Restore Northern Territory Links
Darwin International Airport reopened just hours after Cyclone Fina forced an overnight shutdown, enabling Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin to restart commercial services on 23 November 2025. Flexible re-booking policies and government road-clearance efforts limited business-travel disruption, but mobility teams are urged to update cyclone-season contingency plans.
Government Confirms 20,350 State-Nominated Skilled-Migration Places for 2025-26
Home Affairs has capped state-nominated skilled-migration places at 20,350 for 2025-26, signalling a more competitive environment for employers seeking overseas talent. Reduced quotas mean higher EOI points thresholds and longer lead times, so businesses should accelerate applications and consider regional visa routes.
‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Russia Re-confirmed as DFAT Warns of Arbitrary Detention
DFAT has re-confirmed its ‘Do Not Travel’ advice for Russia, citing ongoing conflict and a heightened risk of arbitrary detention for foreigners. The warning obliges Australian companies to prohibit non-essential travel, reassess insurance coverage and establish exit contingencies for any staff still in Russia.