Dessie

Ministerial Direction No. 123 made under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958 will introduce a new character tests framework which will take effect from 31 October 2026. It replaces Ministerial Direction No. 110 which was in place since June 2024. The Department of Home Affairs will have to apply the new framework when considering the refusal of a visa under section 501, the discretionary or mandatory cancellation of a visa under sections 501 and 501(3A), and requests to revoke a mandatory...

Australia is proposing significant changes to its Working Holiday Maker visa program, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announcing a new approach to second-year and third-year Working Holiday visas. These changes are part of a broader migration policy package announced today. The Government says the reforms are intended to better manage temporary migration while ensuring Australia's migration program is aligned with workforce and economic needs. For young Working Holiday Makers visa...

Today Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced a major overhaul of Australia's migration programs, unveiling a package of changes aimed at tightening temporary migration, addressing "visa misuse" and bringing migration levels closer to the Federal Government’s targets. The changes have significant implications for international students, their families, Working Holiday Makers, visitor visa holders, overseasn national parnters of Australians and people who remain in Australia after...