Australian Immigration Daily News

As members would be aware Migration Alliance made a submission to government with a raft of policy suggestions for international students, working holiday makers, 444 visa holders and other temporary-sponsored visa holders.  The roll out shows that our suggestions have been adopted in part or in whole:

Migration Alliance member, and RMA, Dan Engles has done a neat summary of the changes:

The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs has issued a statement today addressing the concerns surrounding temporary visa holders.

A few key points include:

• Visitor visa holders should attempt to return home if possible, if they stay they will need to support themselves
• Student visa holders who have been here for at least 12 months will have access to their Australian superannuation.
• New Zealanders who hold subclass 444 visas will have access to welfare payments dependent on certain conditions.
• Temporary Skilled Visa holders will still have valid visas if stood down by their employer, or if their work hours are reduced. They can stay and draw on super (up to $10,000 per year), or leave and return to Australia in the future. If 4 year visa holders leave and return, the previous time spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency requirements.
• Working holiday makers may have access to additional visas if they work in critical sectors.

The full announcement can be read here.