Important Updates
Important Updates
September 29, 2025 | Brazil, United StatesFolha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções
September 30, 2025 | United StatesPartner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"
September 30, 2025 | PolandPoland: Mandatory Online Processes Implemented for Work Permits and Contract Submission
September 30, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Board of Investment Work Permit Application Process Consolidated
September 30, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences
September 29, 2025 | Brazil, United StatesFolha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções
September 30, 2025 | United StatesPartner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"
September 30, 2025 | PolandPoland: Mandatory Online Processes Implemented for Work Permits and Contract Submission
September 30, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Board of Investment Work Permit Application Process Consolidated
September 30, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences
September 29, 2025 | Brazil, United StatesFolha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

New Prime Minister May Shift Focus for Immigration

September 28, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

The situation

Australia’s new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was sworn in on August 24. While retaining the Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton, he announced a separation of the immigration function within that ministry and the appointment of David Coleman as the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.

A closer look: one month later

  • Harnessing economic benefits. The separation of the immigration portfolio from the law enforcement super ministry – a ministry that covered a wide range of national issues – has signalled a renewed focus on the economic benefits of migration but with attention on remaining sensitive to ongoing concerns about Australia’s ability to manage the pace of migration, particularly in Australia’s large cities. 
  • Focus on addressing the infrastructure deficit. 
    • Former Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, has been moved to the Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Portfolio, which would include the key responsibility of population and infrastructure planning, presumably taking into account the impact of the size of the migration program and settlement patterns of migrants.
    • The settlement of the majority of migrants in Australia’s two big cities, Sydney and Melbourne, has created a suite of social, economic, infrastructural and environment challenges with renewed attention on the ability of infrastructure in these two cities to keep up. At the same time, regional Australia continues to suffer from labour shortages. Future policies are likely to encourage more migration to regional Australia.  

 

Key priorities

Based on public announcements and comments since the reshuffle, the key priorities for the Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs administration will be:

  • Focus on regions. Revisions to new and existing programs aimed at encouraging more migrants to settle outside major cities.
  • Supporting innovation. Continuing the focus on innovation and attracting top talent through boutique schemes such as the pilot Global Talent Scheme and the trial Entrepreneurs Supporting Innovation in South Australia Visa.
  • Australian jobs first.  Ensuring an improvement to the quality, contribution and integration of skilled migrants, while prioritising Australian workers for jobs.
  • Compliance. Reprioritising resources toward integrity and monitoring, for example through increased monitoring of companies sponsoring foreign workers.
     

Impact

It is expected that there will be greater recognition of the economic benefits of skilled migration, and potentially new programs to entice applicants for niche roles or seeking to settle in regional areas.  At the same time, mandatory labour market testing and focus on compliance with sponsorship obligations is set to continue.

Background

Over recent years, as the immigration function had been absorbed into the law enforcement super ministry of Home Affairs, permanent and temporary migration numbers have effectively been reduced with a change in approach to migration program planning levels and heightened criteria with a focus on integrity.  These have led to:
 

  • Reduction in the grants of permanent visas. By redefining planning levels from ‘targets’ to a ‘ceiling’, the number of permanent visas granted dropped by some 10% last year compared to levels in 2013-14.
  • Decrease in temporary visas. In 2017, the number of Subclass 457 visa holders in Australia fell for the third year in a row.
  • Increase in numbers of bridging visa holder numbers. At the same time, processing delays have led to record numbers of non-citizens on bridging visas, the mechanism by which individuals can remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for the visa application to be decided.

 

Looking ahead

Fragomen will report on the changing Australian immigration landscape as new policies are enacted. Access Fragomen's blog on this topic here. Keep up to date with all the changes at our dedicated page here.

If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

MARN 0849574

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.