Australia quietly doubles Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa fee to A$4,600
DFAT issues sanctions-risk advisory on large fund transfers by recent Iranian migrants
Western Australia issues 3 March state-nomination invites for trade occupations
Latest News
Qantas offers fee-free changes after Gulf airspace shutdown hits codeshare itineraries
After Gulf states abruptly closed segments of their airspace, Qantas introduced a flexible rebooking policy for tickets touching the UAE, Qatar or Israel between 1 and 3 March 2026. Customers on Qantas/Emirates or Qantas/Qatar codeshares can change dates or routes without fees, but must check new transit-visa requirements. The incident highlights the need for rapid itinerary and immigration checks when geopolitical events disrupt partner networks.
Canberra urges Australians worldwide to brace for Middle-East travel turmoil
A 2 March 2026 media release from Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns that Middle East hostilities are causing global flight cancellations and urges Australians everywhere to prepare for severe travel disruptions. DFAT has opened a crisis portal and upgraded multiple regional advisories to “Do Not Travel,” signalling major implications for business-travel planning and duty-of-care compliance.
Graduate-visa sticker shock: Australia doubles Subclass 485 application fee overnight
Home Affairs has doubled the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa fee, raising the main-applicant charge to AU$4,600 from 1 March 2026. The overnight change hits recent international graduates and the employers who depend on them, although lower rates apply to designated Pacific Island passport-holders.
Qantas waives change fees as Gulf airspace closure ripples across Australian itineraries
Qantas introduced a fee-free rebooking and refund policy on 2 March after sudden Gulf airspace closures upended its Emirates and Qatar Airways code-shares. The waiver eases immediate disruption for Australian business travellers but underscores the need for contingency planning as premium seats on alternative routes vanish rapidly.
Jetstar to launch nonstop Christchurch–Perth link, boosting trans-Tasman business mobility
Jetstar confirmed on 2 March that it will operate nonstop Christchurch–Perth flights three times a week from October 2026, adding 30,000 seats and trimming up to four hours off current multi-stop journeys. The route strengthens trans-Tasman business ties, particularly for Western Australia’s resources sector and Canterbury’s export industries.
Insurer issues rare blanket alert as Middle-East conflict threatens global itineraries
Go Insurance issued a nationwide travel alert on 2 March warning clients that war-related claims linked to the Middle-East conflict are largely excluded, although stranded travellers will receive a 21-day automatic policy extension. The alert underscores the importance of documentation and flexible tickets for Australian business travellers.
Grass-roots petition calls for temporary halt to Australian immigration intake
A 2 March Change.org petition demands a moratorium on Australia’s immigration intake and stricter welfare access rules, reflecting wider public unease over housing and cost-of-living pressures. While not yet influential, the campaign signals sentiment that could shape future policy debates and corporate talent pipelines.