Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance acknowledges the Migration Institute of Australia’s (MIA) press release calling for stronger support for international students. We fully recognise the immense contributions international students make to Australia's economy, cultural diversity, and educational sector. As the fourth-largest export industry, international education generates approximately $50 billion annually for the Australian economy and provides significant cultural enrichment to our communities.

Migration Alliance shares MIA's enthusiasm for supporting international students, and we believe it is crucial to strike a balance between supporting international students and ensuring that Australia’s immigration system remains robust and effective in managing its national interests.

Ensuring a balanced approach to immigration and student welfare

We support the ongoing positive contributions international students make to Australia, but we must remain mindful of maintaining strong immigration controls to protect the integrity of the system. It is vital to ensure that visa holders are genuine students and are adhering to the conditions of their visas. This is crucial to prevent any exploitation or misuse of the system, ensuring that Australia remains competitive while safeguarding national security and maintaining the quality of our education system.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas) Instrument 2025 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 by expanding the areas of Australia where recovery work can be undertaken for the purposes of satisfying specified work requirements for Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas.

The instrument specifies areas affected by bushfires, floods, cyclones, and other severe weather events, recognising these as designated areas where recovery work can be counted towards eligibility for a second or third visa.

The amendments to LIN 22/012 (Subclass 417 visa) and LIN 22/013 (Subclass 462 visa) will come into effect on 5 April 2025. The changes update the list of affected areas, ensuring that applicants who have worked in these areas can count their work towards meeting the "specified work" requirement for visa extensions. This includes bushfire recovery and recovery work related to other severe weather conditions.

The Migration Amendment (Status of Forces Agreement - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025 introduce significant changes for members of the UK armed forces and their civilian component. These amendments, which align with the Australia-UK Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement, ensure that UK personnel and their dependents can enter Australia without the need to apply for a visa.

Under the new regulations, UK armed forces members and their civilian staff will be granted a Special Purpose Visa (SPV), streamlining their entry for cooperative defence activities. This reflects Australia’s commitment to the Australia-UK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed in March 2024.

The amendment will come into effect once the agreement is formally implemented, marking a milestone in strengthening defence relations between Australia and the United Kingdom.

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) has made a significant decision on 24 March 2025, cancelling the registration of Migration Agent Nilli Singh Bhandari. This action follows a thorough investigation into multiple complaints and a serious breach of professional conduct. Key findings include:

• Failure to deliver services: Ms. Bhandari was engaged by 33 clients for a range of employer-sponsored visa applications, with fees paid between $3,100 to $30,400, yet no services were provided, and refunds were not issued.

• Misuse of MARNs: It was discovered that Ms. Bhandari used the Migration Agent Registration Numbers (MARNs) of two other registered agents without their consent.

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The Workplace Rights Guide provides essential information on the rights and protections that workers, including visa holders, have under Australian workplace laws. It outlines that all workers in Australia, regardless of their citizenship status, are entitled to basic workplace protections.

Key points include:

• Workplace Rights for Visa Holders: Visa holders are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as Australian citizens. This includes the right to fair pay, protection from unfair dismissal, protection from discrimination, and more.

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