Australia's Migration Strategy Action Plan for the period from July 2024 to June 2025 aims to address the evolving needs of the country while fostering economic growth, enhancing skills, and supporting humanitarian efforts. Here is an overview of the key components of the strategy:
1. Economic Migration
- Skilled Migration Program:
- Employer-Sponsored Visas:
2. Family Migration
- Family Reunion:Processing Prioritization: Expedited processing for family reunion visas to support family unity.Expanded Categories: Inclusion of more relatives under family reunion policies to support extended family cohesion.
3. Humanitarian and Refugee Program
- Resettlement Commitment:
- Support Services:
4. Temporary and Working Holiday Visas
- Youth Mobility:Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program: Expanding the WHM program to include more countries and increase the age limit to attract a larger pool of young workers.Short-Term Work Visas: Introduction of new short-term work visas tailored to specific industries facing temporary labor shortages.
5. International Students
- Post-Study Work Rights:Extended Visas: Offering longer post-study work visas to international students who graduate from Australian institutions, particularly in fields of high demand.Pathways to Permanent Residency: Creating clear pathways from student visas to permanent residency for graduates in priority sectors.
6. Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements
- Global Talent Attraction:Global Talent Program: Continuation and enhancement of the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program to attract highly skilled individuals from around the world.Bilateral Agreements: Strengthening bilateral migration agreements with key partner countries to facilitate the flow of skilled labor.
7. Migration Program Integrity
- Enhanced Screening:Security Checks: Strengthening background and security checks to ensure the integrity and security of the migration program.Fraud Prevention: Implementing advanced measures to detect and prevent visa fraud.
8. Regional and Remote Area Initiatives
- Regional Visas:Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs): Expanding DAMAs to cover more regional areas, providing tailored migration solutions.Incentives for Settlers: Financial and social incentives for migrants to settle in remote and regional areas, including housing assistance and community integration programs.
9. Community Engagement and Integration
- Multicultural Policies:Cultural Integration Programs: Supporting programs that promote cultural understanding and integration.Language and Employment Support: Providing language training and employment support to help new migrants integrate into Australian society.
10. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
- Eco-Friendly Policies:Green Visas: Introduction of visas for professionals in environmental and sustainability sectors to support Australia’s environmental goals.Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable practices in migration policies, including support for eco-friendly housing and transportation for new migrants.
The Australia Migration Strategy Action Plan (July 2024 - June 2025) aims to create a balanced and effective migration system that supports Australia’s economic needs, enhances social cohesion, and addresses humanitarian responsibilities.