Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 2, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Statement of Changes Creates Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 2, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Statement of Changes Creates Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
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 ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Senate Committee Releases Report and Recommendations on Temporary Skills Visa System

April 8, 2019

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

At a Glance

This week, the Australian Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee released its recommendations following its inquiry into the temporary skilled visa system and related issues, exploring the below key issues:

  • The interaction between the temporary skilled visa system and the system in place for training Australian workers, including how a skills shortage is determined;
  • The current skills assessment regime;
  • The effectiveness of the current labour market testing arrangements; and
  • The use and effectiveness of labour agreements.

 

As Australia heads for a Federal Election in May, and with the possibility of a change of government, Fragomen will report any changes adopted in immigration rules.


The situation

This week, the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee in Australia released its report regarding the effectiveness of the current temporary skilled visa system in targeting skills shortages. 

A closer look

  • Key recommendations. The final report makes recommendations about the interaction between the temporary skilled visa system and the system in place for training Australian workers; the current skills assessment regime; the effectiveness of the current labour market testing arrangements; and the use and effectiveness of labour agreements.
  • Fragomen’s analysis. Fragomen believes that any further restrictions to temporary skilled migration would damage the Australian economy and make it more challenging for Australia to compete for global talent.

 

Potential impacts of recommendations

Global mobility and human resource teams should take note of the following key recommendations that the Committee made:
 

  • Publish reasons for future changes to the skilled migration occupation lists. The current occupation lists are by their nature retrospective. Fragomen believes that the current occupation lists fail to consider shortages in new or emerging occupations and has advocated to make the lists more predictive of future skills shortages.
  • Review of the ANZSCO framework. The committee recommended that the Australian Bureau of Statistics prioritise its review of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework, which was last reviewed in 2009, to bring the categorisation of occupations up to date with the changing nature of the Australian economy and rapid emergence of new industries, skills and niche occupations.
  • Establish new authority to provide recommendations on skilled migration issues. Few details were provided about this proposed authority in the report, but Fragomen would not support any measures that would add further administrative hurdles to foreign nationals seeking to work in Australia. Subject to this recommendation going forward, Fragomen will seek further details and engage in consultation on the practical operation and impact on clients.
  • Introduce stricter evidentiary requirements for Labour Market Testing (LMT). The committee suggested implementing more stringent LMT rules. Fragomen believes the existing rules are already problematic, especially when employers make genuine attempts to test the labour market but where minor technical non-substantive errors in advertisements are made that delay and negatively impact the ability to do business effectively. The recommendation also includes a suggestion to not enter into any trade agreement that would waive labor market testing. Fragomen will advocate against these recommendations.
  • Review of Labour Agreements. This recommendation was premised on the finding that labour agreements may lead to the exploitation of migrant workers or migrants being favoured as a cheap alternative to an Australian workforce.  Fragomen’s opinion is that labour agreements play an important role for employers and industries with labour occupational shortages, especially in regions experiencing skills shortages in occupations that differ from the national average. Fragomen will continue to stand by labour agreements for Australian employers.
  • Increase funding for compliance activities. The committee recommended increasing government funding to ensure employers and foreign nationals comply with immigration rules. Fragomen supports measures to ensure the integrity of the program is maintained.
  • Require employers to pay wages for temporary visa holders into an Australian bank account and increase the income threshold for skilled migrants to $62,000 a year, indexed annually. Fragomen supports any measures to protect migrant workers but notes the practical challenges of mandating payment into Australian bank accounts, particularly in situations where the employee remains on home country payroll.

 

Background

The committee that produced this report is one of several that the Australian Senate designates to hear evidence on specified matters. Committees provide an opportunity for stakeholders to participate in policy making in Australia. More information on this process is available on the Australian Parliamentary website.

Looking ahead

With the Australian Federal Election likely to be announced in the coming days, it is unclear what recommendations will be taken forward by the next government.  While the Labor party is ahead in the polls and a change of government is possible, the Opposition Immigration Minister has also been vocal about prefering Australians for local jobs and has already announced plans to establish the Australian Skills Authority (ASA) – an independent labour market testing body which would determine skill needs and restrict temporary work visas to only those areas. Fragomen will report on government changes and relevant immigration rule updates.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

MARN: 1798314

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

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

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.