Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration Amendment (Labour Agreement Requirements) Regulations 2024 introduces critical updates to the skilled migration framework for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas.

Key Updates:

• Employers operating under labour agreements now have enhanced flexibility to tailor criteria for English language proficiency, age, qualifications, and work experience to meet specific workforce needs.
• Legislative provisions have been clarified to support alternative nomination requirements, ensuring these agreements are adaptable to address regional labour shortages.
• The amendments strengthen pathways to permanent residency for skilled migrants via the Labour Agreement stream.

Implications: These changes empower employers to address skill shortages effectively while maintaining protections for Australian workers. Skilled migrants benefit from more transparent and efficient criteria, particularly in regional areas.

The amendments align with the Australian Government’s broader Migration Strategy, focusing on transparency, consistency, and efficiency within skilled migration programs. These changes take effect in 2024 and are expected to support Australia’s economic growth by facilitating the recruitment of global talent.

Source: Migration-Amendment-Labour-Agreement-Requirements-sc186-482-494-visas-Regulations-2024.pdf and 

Migration-Amendment-Labour-Agreement-Requirements-sc186-482-494-visas-Regulations-2024-Explanatory-Statement.pdf