AAT caseload overload: On hand migration applications increase 34 per cent to almost 60,000

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AAT caseload overload: On hand migration applications increase 34 per cent to almost 60,000

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s (AAT’s) 2018-19 annual report shows the Migration and Refugee Division continues to be weighed down by the number of review applications lodged despite their best efforts in adopting case management strategies and increasing the number of finalised applications. A crucial target they have met is making legally sound decisions, which means the chances of success if a matter is taken to court is much more difficult.

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Horticultural industry labour agreement from 1 Jan 2020; 31 occupations available

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Horticultural industry labour agreement from 1 Jan 2020; 31 occupations available

An early Christmas present for Australia’s crop farmers was announced yesterday with a horticultural industry labour agreement to start from 1 January 2020. This comes with it an unprecedented 31 available occupations along with concessions for English, skills, salary, age and a pathway to a permanent visa.

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Occupation list changes for 2020: massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners set for the axe

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Occupation list changes for 2020: massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners set for the axe

The Traffic Light Bulletin, which is a list of proposed changes to the various skilled occupation lists in 2020 has been released by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. Their recommendations include removing massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners, and adding three personal care workers. These changes, if implemented, will have serious implications for prospective skilled migrants. All proposed changes are listed.

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Bridging visa creep: 49 per cent increase in bridging visa holders in 2 years to over 205,000

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Bridging visa creep: 49 per cent increase in bridging visa holders in 2 years to over 205,000

A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows that the number of bridging visa holders in Australia has increased by 49 per cent in two years. This may have important implications to any claims made of restraining permanent visa grant numbers, however, this is not as straightforward as it may appear.

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