New Biosecurity Reporting Rules Hit Charter Flights Arriving in Australia
Senate Amendments to Migrant-Exploitation Bill Circulated on Eve of Debate
Data & Digital Ministers Endorse National Digital ID Roll-out – Border Agencies Eye Seamless Travel
Latest News
Pacific Engagement Visa: First Pre-Departure Workshops Kick Off for 2026 Intake
Mandatory pre-departure courses for the 2026 Pacific Engagement Visa intake started on 27 February, signalling that the first large wave of ‘ballot-selected’ permanent residents will land in Australia over coming months. Employers facing skills shortages should prepare tailored induction and language support to tap this new labour source.
Opposition Flags Criminal Penalties for Aiding Terror Hotspots in Immigration Podcast
A 27 February Guardian podcast reveals the Coalition is drafting laws to criminalise assistance to people connected with terror hotspots, raising the spectre of new liabilities for visa sponsors and employers. The proposal signals a sharper political divide on migration ahead of the next federal election.
Australia Outlaws Education Agent Commissions on On-shore Student Transfers
Austrade announced that, from 31 March 2026, Australian education providers are prohibited from paying commissions to agents for on-shore student transfers. The policy targets commission-driven ‘course-hopping’, strengthens sector integrity and is expected to reshape agent business models and provider marketing strategies.
ABS Wage Data Sets Stage for July Rise in Employer-Sponsored Visa Salary Floors
ABS earnings data released on 26 February 2026 confirm that the minimum salaries for employer-sponsored visas will rise to A$79,499 (CSIT) and A$146,717 (SSIT) on 1 July 2026. Employers now have a limited window to lodge nominations under current thresholds or adjust budgets for higher wage obligations.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sues Sydney Restaurateur for A$162k Migrant Wage Theft
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced Federal Court action against a Sydney restaurateur accused of underpaying 33 migrant workers more than A$162,000. The case signals tougher enforcement of award wages for visa holders and serves as a compliance warning to employers relying on migrant labour.
Tasmania Issues 64 Invitations in Final February Skilled Migration Round
Tasmania’s 26 February 2026 state-nomination draw invited 64 skilled migrants—40 under Subclass 190 and 24 under Subclass 491—with relatively modest points cut-offs. Significant nomination places remain, but backlogs mean swift, well-documented applications are essential for those seeking Australian PR via Tasmania.
Home Affairs Launches Employer Webinar on Pacific Engagement Visa and PALM Scheme
The Department of Home Affairs is holding a free, employer-focused webinar—publicised on 26 February 2026—covering the new Pacific Engagement Visa and the expanded PALM scheme. With PEV ballots opening soon, the session is a key opportunity for regional businesses to understand hiring rules and compliance requirements for Pacific workers.