Australian Immigration Daily News

On 28 November 2019 the Senate referred the provisions of Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents) Bill 2019 and Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Amendment (Rates of Charge) Bill 2019 to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 18 March 2020.

The deadline for submission to the inquiry is 31 January 2020.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3560
Fax: +61 2 6277 5794
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On 4 November 2019, the Hon David Coleman MP officially launched the Global Talent Independent program, which offers a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly skilled individuals to work and live permanently in Australia. The program is designed to strengthen Australia’s ability to compete for the world’s best and brightest skilled migrants and grow Australian businesses of the future. 

The eligibility requirements for the program include that the candidate:

• ·         is highly skilled and internationally recognised in one of seven target sectors (listed below); and
• ·         has the ability to earn the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $148,700). 

In assessing whether a candidate is likely to have the ability to meet this salary threshold, the Department will consider: current salary or future job offers; as well as candidates who have recently graduated or are soon to graduate with PhD or Masters qualifications in the target sectors.

Source:  Benchmark https://benchmarkinc.com.au/web/

A mechanical workshop north of Melbourne has been fined $18,900 for underpaying temporary foreign workers, following recent enforcement activity by the Australian Border Force (ABF).

A total of 111 workplaces across Australia that sponsor temporary skilled workers were visited by the ABF during October.

A number of businesses were sanctioned during the activity, aimed at ensuring employers comply with their sponsorship obligations.

Migrant taxpayers generated $112 billion in total personal income in 2016-17.
About 91% of total income was employee income ($102 billion).
Over half (61%) of migrant taxpayers held a skilled visa.
Skilled migrants generated $81 billion (72%) of the total income earned by migrants.

Migrant taxpayers by visa stream

61% of migrant taxpayers held a skilled visa (37% were primary applicants)