Important Updates
Important Updates
March 5, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 6, 2026 | United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse
March 6, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope
March 5, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Concessions for Iranians
March 5, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 5, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 6, 2026 | United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse
March 6, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope
March 5, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Concessions for Iranians
March 5, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 5, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
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charles_johanes

Partner

Charles Johanes

Charles-Johanes
charles_johanes
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Partner

Charles Johanes

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

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[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

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[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

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As one of a small number of lawyers who holds Specialist Accreditation in Immigration Law from the NSW Law Society in Australia, Charles has dedicated his career to serving as a trusted guide and strategic legal advisor to a number of the world’s largest multinational and Australian corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.

Serving as Partner of Fragomen’s Asia Pacific Advisory and Compliance practice, providing specialist audit, advisory and compliance-related services to clients, Charles has been instrumental in developing these services in Australia over several years, and in developing and expanding this capability across the entire Asia Pacific region.

Charles has a deep understanding of how to help clients across a variety of sectors navigate the particular nuances of the immigration systems across the APAC region and apply it to their business objectives. He helps clients understand the crucial function that immigration plays in their overall success and their standing on the global economic stage.

Charles routinely performs compliance audits of companies’ immigration and global mobility programs, identifying risks and advising on strategies for mitigation, all towards a goal of streamlining processes, enhancing compliance and alignment with industry best practice. He also provides strategic immigration advice as part of broader workforce planning, talent attraction, mobilization and retention, and in situations where immigration law may intersect with other areas of law, such as family law, employment law, mergers and acquisitions or business restructures. As companies look to expand or set up operations in the region, Charles helps them make an informed decision and to plan each step of the process to minimize workforce interruptions and ensure business continuity.

Immigration is a personal journey for many people—something Charles understands coming from a family of immigrants—and his goal is to never lose sight of that as he works with corporate clients and their employees, as well as individuals. Charles is also committed to his community and donates his time as a reviewer of advice for the Illawarra Legal Centre.

Charles speaks English and Indonesian and is conversational in Japanese and Chinese.

Charles routinely performs compliance audits of companies’ immigration and global mobility programs, identifying risks and advising on strategies for mitigation, all towards a goal of streamlining processes, enhancing compliance and alignment with industry best practice. He also provides strategic immigration advice as part of broader workforce planning, talent attraction, mobilization and retention, and in situations where immigration law may intersect with other areas of law, such as family law, employment law, mergers and acquisitions or business restructures. As companies look to expand or set up operations in the region, Charles helps them make an informed decision and to plan each step of the process to minimize workforce interruptions and ensure business continuity.

Immigration is a personal journey for many people—something Charles understands coming from a family of immigrants—and his goal is to never lose sight of that as he works with corporate clients and their employees, as well as individuals. Charles is also committed to his community and donates his time as a reviewer of advice for the Illawarra Legal Centre.

Charles speaks English and Indonesian and is conversational in Japanese and Chinese.

Education

  • University of New South Wales, Master of Law and Management, 2012
  • University of New South Wales, Bachelor of Law, 2002
  • University of New South Wales, B.A., 2002

More from Charles

Admissions

Court Admissions: Solicitor, Supreme Court of New South Wales

Awards

Listed in Doyles Guide’s Leading Immigration Lawyers & Agents – New South Wales, 2025 and 2026.

Professional accomplishments

Member, Migration Institute of Australia (MIA)

Member, Law Society of New South Wales

Experience

Advised corporate clients on compliance-related matters including measures that can be taken to strengthen immigration compliance within the organization.

Provided strategic advice to companies concerning their immigration and global mobility programs.

Assisted corporate clients with a wide range of visa applications, including all types of temporary work visas, short term business visas and employer nominated permanent residence applications.

Assisted individual clients with global talent, general skilled, family relationship, student, visitor, resident return and citizenship applications.

Worked with clients on complex health and character issues in connection with temporary and permanent visa applications.

Assisted individual clients with appeals at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Presented workforce migration training sessions to HR professionals.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Mobility & Employment: A Practical Approach to Managing Foreign Employees in Singapore and Beyond.” Fragomen and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Prolegis Alliance, Singapore, Singapore, 23 October 2025.

Speaker, “Perth Client Breakfast Briefing.” Fragomen, Perth, Australia, 9 September 2025.

Contributor, “Guide to Global Immigration – Australia Section.” Global Mobility Lawyer, 18 August 2025.

Panelist, “Destination Asia: making the most out of global mobility.” International Employment Lawyer: Asia-Pacific Employment Summit, Singapore, 2 July 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating Asia Pacific’s Immigration Landscape Amid Geopolitical Shifts.” Fragomen, Singapore, 29 May 2025.

Speaker, “Post-Election Immigration Outlook: What’s Next and How to Prepare.” Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025, Docklands, Australia, 7 May 2025.

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 2 8224 8547

F:+61 2 8224 8500

Sydney

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Charles’s insights

March 11, 2026 | Conference

Fragomen Asia Pacific Immigration & Mobility Conference 2026Read more

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

February 12, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Webcast: Asia PacificRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

Video

Brazil: Early Career Visa

Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in Montréal

The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.

Learn more

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

Video

Brazil: Early Career Visa

Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in Montréal

The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.

Learn more

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