Important Updates
Important Updates
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 20, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
February 20, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Full ETA Enforcement Commences February 25; Dual Nationals May Need to Renew Expired Passports Before Travel
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 20, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
February 20, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Full ETA Enforcement Commences February 25; Dual Nationals May Need to Renew Expired Passports Before Travel
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
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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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  • Indonesian
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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

Connect via Linkedin
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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

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

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent Strategically

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

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

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

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Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

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Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

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Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

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Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent Strategically

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

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

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

Buffalo Toronto Public Media: IRCC faces processing hurdles as FIFA World Cup draws near

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

Learn more

Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

Learn more

Video

London Fashion Week 2026

Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Stay in touch

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