Important Updates
Important Updates
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 9, 2025 | AzerbaijanAzerbaijan: Stricter Documentary Requirements for Company Director Work Permit Exemption
October 9, 2025 | GermanyGermany: Fast-Track Naturalization Pathway Abolished
October 9, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 9, 2025 | GermanyPartner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 9, 2025 | AzerbaijanAzerbaijan: Stricter Documentary Requirements for Company Director Work Permit Exemption
October 9, 2025 | GermanyGermany: Fast-Track Naturalization Pathway Abolished
October 9, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 9, 2025 | GermanyPartner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
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 RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese 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
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • 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

Perth City to Access Regional Incentives - Welcome News in the West

November 1, 2019

Landscape hero image of Fragomen Perth Senior CSM Hedvika Gibbs

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Hedvika Gibbs

The recent announcement by the Australian and Western Australian governments that the Perth metropolitan area would no longer be classified as a major city, has been welcomed by businesses, skilled migrants and international students. This means that Perth sponsoring employers will gain additional access to the Regional Occupation List and will benefit from the two new regional visas, which will be introduced from 16 November this year. 

Additionally, education providers are hopeful that international students will be attracted to the world’s most remote capital city by the advantages that accompany study in a “regional” location—including five additional points for General Skilled Migration visas, access to an additional year on post-study visas and an opportunity to apply for scholarships of up to $15,000 per year to support study and living expenses associated with studying at a regional campus.

The news has come at a crucial time for Perth, as the region has been struggling with the competing pressures of filling the growing skills shortage in the resources and energy sectors, while at the same time, trying to attract international students.

Skilled migration

In March of this year, Fragomen’s Perth office hosted a client event, which covered several issues, including anticipated skilled labour shortages in Western Australia’s minerals and resources sector, as well as strategies to address them to avoid the unsustainable growth and wage blow outs associated with the previous resources boom of the early 2000s. The event featured several industry leaders, including Paul Everingham, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia; Raleigh Finlayson, the CEO of Saracen Gold and the President of the WA School of Mines Alumni; and Andrew McCluskey, the State Manager of Siemens—all of whom generously shared their experiences and vision. 

In summary, the speakers warned of an expected skills shortage in the resources sector which, while lower than that experienced previously during the mining boom, would require a greater reliance on overseas skilled migration to ensure that projects can proceed. This is partly due to the significant number of infrastructure projects that are simultaneously happening on Australia’s East Coast and lower levels of enrolments in the WA School of Mines, coupled with the lead times needed to ensure that graduates are job ready and the rapid digitalization of the resources sector, which is changing the skills profile that is needed.

Justin Gibbs, our Director of Government Relations for APAC, led the final session, which highlighted several practical issues that need to be addressed in order to strategically fill the anticipated and increasing labour shortages with skilled overseas labour, including calling for a review of occupation lists (which has now commenced) and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to ensure it remains relevant and can be utilised in the migration context.

In recent months, our Perth office has seen an increase in activity both by resources and energy companies, which are starting to prepare for the increased competition for skills. This is not surprising. In its forecast for 2019-2024 , the Australian Resources and Energy Group (AMMA) found that throughout Australia there are 57 projects worth $41 billion, either “committed” or considered “likely” by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, and which it predicts will demand nearly 21,000 on-site employees by 2024, including about 8700 mining plan operators, more than 2800 heavy diesel fitters and close to 4200 engineers.

The ability to rely on the Regional Occupation List and the new regional visas will allay some—but not all—concerns for the sponsors with whom we are working.

Migration options for international students

A year ago, I discussed the measures being introduced by the Western Australian State Government to try and attract more international students to the State.  While the efforts were welcomed by the education industry, they were generally seen as not reaching far enough. However, the latest changes—and, in particular, the additional year available for the Temporary Graduate visa in the Post Study stream—are likely to lead to an increased interest for international students.  In practical terms, the additional year will mean that international graduates would be able to attain the requisite experience they need to qualify for Temporary Skill Shortage visas.

The additional points for the regional study will also benefit those looking for a direct permanent migration pathway. The State Nomination option will also be extended to include vocational education and training (VET) graduates who complete their qualifications in Western Australia at Certificate III level or above from December 2019. 

What next?

While the full details of the legislative changes underpinning the announcement are yet to be revealed, these exciting changes already appear to be presenting several new options.  For more information or to discuss how these changes could benefit you—as an employer or potential migrant—contact your Perth-based Fragomen team.

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Hedvika Gibbs

Hedvika Gibbs

Senior Immigration Program Director - APAC & Practice Leader

Perth, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 8 9436 0315

Related offices

  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Sports Lawyer Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

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.