Canberra opens Doha–Riyadh bus bridge as repatriation effort ramps up
Smartraveller warns of global protest and terror risk linked to Middle-East war
Australia Launches Standardised Visa Timelines and Real-Time Tracking Portal
Latest News
Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds to Rise on 1 July 2026 After Government Announcement
The government has locked in a 3.8 % increase to the minimum salary that employers must guarantee when sponsoring overseas talent, effective 1 July 2026. Employers with offers near the current threshold have until 30 June to lodge visa nominations, while mobility budgets for new assignments will need to absorb higher base pay and flow-on costs.
Temporary Graduate Visa Fee Doubles Under New Four-Tier Pricing Framework
Effective 1 March 2026 the application fee for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has risen by up to 100 %, with a new four-tier schedule based on passport eligibility and repeat lodgement. The hike bankrolls wider processing reforms but forces graduates and their prospective employers to absorb thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
Government Opens Doha–Riyadh Land Route to Repatriate Australians Amid Middle-East Airspace Closures
With Qatar’s airspace closed, DFAT has organised bus transfers from Doha to Riyadh so Australians can catch homebound flights, offering a critical escape route for business travellers caught by the widening Gulf conflict. Travel and mobility managers should update routing policies and ensure real-time tracking of personnel in the region.
Pacific Engagement Visa Moves to Pre-Departure Phase; First PNG Session Held on 6 March
Australia’s new Pacific Engagement Visa has entered the departure-readiness stage, with the first compulsory information session for Papua New Guinea migrants taking place on 6 March 2026. The training equips new residents with practical settlement skills and gives employers clearer expectations when integrating PEV hires.
Northern Territory Closes Skilled-Migration Nomination Portal After Hitting 2025-26 Allocation
After filling its 2025-26 quota, the Northern Territory has closed its state-nomination portal to most new skilled-migration applicants. Employers eyeing Darwin placements must now consider alternative visa pathways or other states with remaining allocations.