South Australia Kicks Off 2026 Skilled-Migration Year With 344 Invitations
Qantas FIFO Cabin Crew in Western Australia Threaten Strike, Raising Business-Travel Risk
DFAT Updates Azerbaijan Travel Advice: Border Closures Could Trap Travellers
Latest News
Australia lifts student-visa evidence level for India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Home Affairs has escalated India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3 for student-visa processing, citing ‘emerging integrity issues’. Applicants must now meet tougher financial and academic proof standards, which is expected to slow visa grants and increase compliance checks. Education providers and corporate mobility teams should prepare for longer lead times and higher documentation costs.
Government population statement predicts net migration will halve in 2026
The federal Population Statement forecasts net overseas migration will drop to 260,000 in 2026, half the 2023 peak. Policy tightening on student visas and the normalisation of travel demand underpin the fall. Employers should brace for fiercer competition for scarce skilled visas while anticipating some easing in housing and infrastructure bottlenecks.
Jetstar unleashes 40,000 cut-price seats to Bali, Bangkok and Manila
Jetstar has launched a four-day sale offering 40,000 discounted seats to Bali and other Asian destinations, with one-way fares from AUD 149. Although aimed at leisure travellers, the deals can help companies cut early-2026 travel costs for regional assignments and meetings. Sale ends 13 January unless sold out.