Australian Immigration Daily News

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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Starting from 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will rise by 4.6%, in line with changes to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This adjustment ensures that skilled migration wages align with Australian workers' wages, preventing the potential undercutting of local salaries.

Key changes include:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): An increase from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515, affecting the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

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