Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 Update
What does the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 aim to achieve?
The Bill seeks to strengthen arrangements for skilled entry into Australia by legislating income thresholds for skilled workers and amending labour market testing provisions. It is part of the Australian Government's broader Migration Strategy, which focuses on enhancing temporary skilled migration to address skill shortages and promote worker mobility.
What significant amendments does the Bill introduce?
The Bill introduces several key amendments, including:
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) - The TSMIT is replaced with a Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and a Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).
Labor Market Testing (LMT) - Extending the validity period for labour market testing from 4 to 6 months before a nomination is lodged.
Public Register of Sponsors - Creating a public register that lists approved sponsors, enhancing transparency and oversight.
What are the newly specific income thresholds set by the Bill?
The Bill legislates the following income thresholds:
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $135,000 for highly skilled specialists.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $73,150 for occupations in national shortage or where Australia has international commitments.
These thresholds will be indexed annually based on changes in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings, ensuring that migrant workers receive fair remuneration.
What protections are included in the Bill to safeguard migrant workers?
The Bill aims to reduce the risk of exploitation by ensuring that skilled migrant workers receive at least the same remuneration as equivalent Australian workers. By introducing legislated minimum income thresholds and ensuring transparency through a public register of sponsors, the Bill helps to protect migrants from potential abuses.
What are the key objectives of the Migration Strategy?
The Migration Strategy includes five key objectives:
Boosting Productivity: Raising living standards by addressing skills shortages.
Fair Workplace Practices: Preventing exploitation and ensuring fair wages and conditions for all workers.
Community Building: Planning for sustainable migration and providing pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
International Relationships: Strengthening economic and social ties with international partners.
Efficient System: Creating a fast, efficient, and fair migration system for migrants and employers.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
These amendments reflect the need for skilled workers in Australia and allow skilled migrants to navigate their employment options safely. Discuss with one of our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer(s) and our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Agape Henry Crux. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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