Australia Rolls Out New Rules for Temporary Work Visa Holders Starting July 2024

Australia is set to introduce significant changes to the conditions of key temporary work visas starting July 1, 2024, aimed at improving labour mobility and addressing unfair labour practices.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced the new regulations for the;

1. Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
2. Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

New Flexibility for Visa Holders

The revised rules provide visa holders with enhanced flexibility, allowing them more time to find new employment if they leave their sponsoring employer. Under the updated conditions, visa holders will have up to 180 days at a time, or a cumulative total of 365 days during the visa grant period to either secure a new sponsor, apply for another visa, or prepare to leave the country.

This extension is a notable shift from previous regulations, which offered a much shorter window for visa holders to transition between jobs. The additional time aims to provide temporary skilled workers with greater stability and opportunity in the Australian labour market.

Also Read: Australia Crackdown on Visa Hopping: New Rules for Visitor to Student Visa Starting July 1

Broader Employment Opportunities

During the 180-day grace period, visa holders can work for other employers, even in occupations that are not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination.

This provision is designed to allow visa holders to support themselves financially while they seek new sponsorship or explore other visa options.

The Department of Home Affairs stressed that while visa holders are permitted to work outside their nominated occupation, they must still comply with any necessary licensing or registration requirements. Sponsors are also mandated to inform the Department within 28 days of any changes to the visa holder’s employment status.

Impact on Current and Future Visa Holders

These new regulations will apply to both current visa holders and new applicants from July 1, 2024. Any periods of unemployment prior to this date will not count towards the new 180-day limit, offering a clean slate for existing visa holders to benefit from the changes.

Also Read: Top 7 Updates to Australia’s Student Visa and Immigration Rules for 2024

Aligning with a New Migration Strategy

This initiative is part of a broader migration strategy announced by the Australian government on December 11, 2023. The strategy outlines eight key actions and over 25 policy commitments aimed at better managing migration and filling labor shortages, particularly in regional areas.

Increasing Migration Intake

In line with this strategy, the government also declared that the 2024-25 permanent Migration Program will accommodate 185,000 places, reflecting a commitment to attracting a larger international workforce to address gaps in various industries and regions across Australia.

Conclusion

The implementation of these new visa rules marks a significant step in supporting temporary skilled workers and ensuring fair labor practices. By granting more time and flexibility for visa holders to navigate their employment options, Australia aims to create a more adaptable and resilient labor market.