UK to Require Electronic Travel Authorisation for Australians from 25 February 2026
Canberra Confirms 20,350 Skilled-Migration Places for 2026–26 Program Year
Qantas Seeks Extra Capacity on Brisbane–Honiara Route for Wet-Leased E190 Service
Latest News
Qantas Launches ‘New Year, New Zealand’ Sale Targeting Indian Market
Qantas has opened a limited-time ‘New Year, New Zealand’ sale for Indian customers, offering return fares from Bengaluru to Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown via Sydney from ₹65,300. The one-stop itineraries funnel travellers through Sydney, boosting Australian transit traffic and opening cost-effective options for Indian corporates with trans-Tasman business.
Coroner’s Inquest Sparks Call to Overhaul 407 Training Visa After Migrant’s Death
A coroner has found that the death of Filipino trainee Jerwin Royupa exposed systemic flaws in the subclass 407 Training Visa. Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner is now pressing the government to reform the visa’s sponsor-vetting and wage safeguards. Employers relying on 407 trainees should expect tougher scrutiny and possible rule changes in the first half of 2026.
New Hate-Speech Law Gives Home Affairs Sweeping Visa-Cancellation Powers
Parliament has passed a hate-speech bill that empowers the Home Affairs Minister to cancel or deny visas to anyone engaged in hate or extremist activity. Employers will need to vet assignees’ public conduct more closely, as the provision adds a distinct ground for refusal beyond the standard ‘character test.’ The measure takes effect as soon as it receives royal assent, and experts expect immediate tightening of visa scrutiny.
Winter Storm Fern: Qantas Issues Flexible Rebooking for Dallas Flights
Qantas has issued a fee-free change policy for Sydney–Dallas flights scheduled 23–25 January due to Winter Storm Fern. Corporate travellers can rebook without penalties, but may face fare differences for dates after 29 January. Firms should adjust itineraries promptly to protect meetings and visa compliance.
New Data Reveals Hamilton Island–Sydney Worst Route for Flight Delays
Government punctuality data released 22 January shows Hamilton Island–Sydney as Australia’s worst route for delays, with only half of flights on time. Overall airline on-time performance remains below long-term averages, signalling that travellers should allow extra connection time—particularly if onward international visas are involved.