Australia lifts student-visa evidence level for India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Government population statement predicts net migration will halve in 2026
Jetstar unleashes 40,000 cut-price seats to Bali, Bangkok and Manila
Latest News
South Australia invites 344 skilled migrants in first round of 2025-26 program
South Australia issued 344 invitations under its GSM scheme on 8 January 2026 – 235 Subclass 190 permanent visas and 109 Subclass 491 regional visas – with health, engineering, ICT and education professionals topping the list. Monthly draws will continue, giving businesses an early pipeline of skilled talent and migrants a clear timeline for nomination.
Qantas unveils trans-Tasman surge with first A220 international flight and new Brisbane–Queenstown service
Announced 8 January 2026, Qantas will put its new Airbus A220 on Brisbane–Wellington flights from February and, via Jetstar, launch a new Brisbane–Queenstown route in June. Together with extra frequencies on four other city-pairs, the moves add nearly 210,000 seats to the trans-Tasman market and expand premium, low-cost and freight options for businesses.
Holiday staffing lull slows Australian visa decisions until mid-January, advisers warn
VisaHQ reports a 70 % drop in Department of Home Affairs case-officer availability since mid-December, slowing visa grants across all streams. Applications lodged after 20 December are unlikely to progress until mid-January, affecting corporate start-dates and personal travel plans.
UK national to be deported from Australia over alleged ties to neo-Nazi ‘White Australia’ network
A UK citizen will be deported after his visa was cancelled for alleged links to the far-right ‘White Australia’ group, underlining Canberra’s tougher post-Bondi stance on extremist affiliations. Sponsors should strengthen background checks as character cancellations rise.
Catastrophic bushfire risk forces mass regional evacuations and cancels V/Line rail services across Victoria
Extreme fire danger on 8 January prompted evacuations of Great Ocean Road holiday parks and the cancellation of nine V/Line regional rail lines. Travellers face significant disruptions, highlighting the need for real-time contingency planning during Australia’s summer bushfire season.