New Protections for Temporary Workers in Australia 2024

Australia has just introduced legislation to protect the employment rights of temporary workers, so knowing about the Migration Amendment Act 2024 is a relief. The Migration Amendment Act 2024, which sets harsher sanctions on employers who abuse temporary workers, was just adopted by the Australian government. This is going to take effect on July 1st, 2024.

This rule essentially aims to protect temporary employees while deterring employers from coercing them to violate the terms of their work-related visas. A closer examination of the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994 reveals that temporary visa holders have specific work rights, including restrictions on the kind of work they can do, how long they can work for one employer, and how frequently they can work.

Nevertheless, the Act also states that it is illegal to work in Australia without a valid visa or as a non-citizen. It’s interesting to note that employers who violate these laws now face noticeably higher fines—some of which even quadruple.

Additionally, this law adds additional civil penalties and charges for work-related arrangements that go beyond regular employment. These consist of things like giving up your passport and agreeing to live in a dangerous place. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent employers from forcing or pressuring non-citizen employees to make decisions that could jeopardize their immigration status or breach the conditions of their visas.

The Act also instituted migrant worker penalties, targeting employers who have broken particular clauses in the Fair Work Act of 2009 or who have committed violations under the Migration Act connected to their place of employment.

Migration Act Sanctions & Penalties

Employers may be considered forbidden employers if they are subject to such punishments, which would make it unlawful for them to hire more non-citizens. There is no maximum ban duration for the most serious penalties related to human trafficking and slavery, although there are those that can result in a prohibition of up to five or ten years.

This legislation change demonstrates the Australian government’s resolve to end the abuse of temporary workers while making sure firms abide by labor and immigration regulations. Employers are required by Australian immigration law to use caution and maintain awareness of their responsibilities.

Australia Tightens Work Visa Rules for International Students

The government of Australia is implementing a revamped migration plan, which would affect the rights of international students to work after graduation. This article examines the specifics of these modifications, such as shorter work visa expiration dates, more stringent visa processing requirements, and the government’s justification for the changes.

The Australian Department of Education recently announced that the extended work visa lengths for international graduates following their studies will be returned to their original schedules.

Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in specific programs are affected by this decision, which was made last week. Depending on their level of study, they will now only be able to stay for the original 2-3 years.

Reduced Work Rights

The Australian Department of Education declared that beginning of mid-2024, post-study work visas that had been extended up to 4-6 years would again only be valid for 2-3 years. To verify sincere study intentions and solve skill shortages, the “Genuine Student Test” and more stringent visa processing procedures were implemented after this decision.

Shifting Policy Landscape

The adjustment is in line with the government’s plan to manage a “broken” migration system and cut the number of immigrants admitted by half over the following two years. Australia prioritizes applications from graduates in critical shortage sectors who studied in remote areas, where extended post-study work rights may still be available, to draw in talented workers.

Key Changes in Visa Regulations

The latest modifications additionally comprise:

• The “Genuine Temporary Entrant” criteria have been replaced with the new “Genuine Student Test,” which focuses on confirming sincere study objectives.
• Stricter visa processing includes a lower age limit of 35 years for post-study work visa applicants and a higher English language test score requirement of 6.5 on the IELTS.
• Universities will be ranked according to risk, which will affect how long it takes for students from higher-risk schools to apply for visas.
• The removal of all future chances to extend post-study work privileges, except for individuals who have finished their studies in a regional area.
• The applicant’s age limit was lowered from 50 to 35 years old.

Impact on International Students

With these modifications, we hope to guarantee that foreign graduates meet Australia’s skill requirements and make the most of the visa system, which is meant to be used for legitimate educational pursuits. The Australian government advises prospective international students to check the most recent information on visa requirements and course alternatives that match the skills that Australia requires.

Current Status of International Students

According to figures from the Australian Department of Education, as of October of last year, Australia was home to some 768,000 international students, with China, India, and Nepal making up the largest groups.

Looking Ahead

Concerns regarding the integrity of the education system are intended to be addressed by the Australian government’s updated immigration policy and visa policies, which also seek to draw in talented graduates who will support the nation’s economic growth.