China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Australians Until End-2026
Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting Opens in Honiara With Visa-Waiver for Delegates
Qantas Launches First ‘Explorer’ Fare Sale in India to Drive Traffic to 45 Australian Cities
Latest News
UK Parliament Grills Migration Advisors as Net-Migration Falls—Implications for Australian Firms
UK MPs interrogated the Migration Advisory Committee on 4 November, signalling possible increases in salary thresholds and caps that would raise costs for Australian firms deploying staff to Britain. Affected employers should monitor the forthcoming White Paper and engage in the consultation process.
Indo Pacific 2025 Maritime Exposition Opens in Sydney, Drawing 800 International Exhibitors
The Indo Pacific 2025 Maritime Exposition opened on 4 November, bringing thousands of overseas delegates to Sydney and putting Australia’s streamlined event-visa system to the test. Smooth processing is critical given the show’s AUD 70 million economic impact and heightened security environment.
UK High Potential Individual Visa Expands on 4 November, Creating New Path for Australian Graduates
Effective 4 November, Britain’s High Potential Individual visa now recognises a wider set of universities and introduces an 8,000-applicant cap. The change gives more Australian graduates a self-sponsored pathway to UK work experience but may trigger competition for limited slots.
China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Australians Until End-2026
Beijing has prolonged its 30-day visa-free entry pilot for Australians and 44 other nationalities to 31 December 2026. The decision, announced late on 3 November 2025, streamlines short-term business and leisure travel, though longer work assignments still require standard visas. The change is expected to boost corporate visits, tourism flows and university outreach.
QantasLink’s Inaugural Perth–Christmas Island & Cocos Flights Take Off
Regular air links to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands began on 3 November 2025 with QantasLink’s new twice-weekly Perth services. The flights improve freight reliability, cut travel times for government and corporate staff, and open fresh tourism opportunities to the Indian Ocean Territories.
Parliament Opens Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Settings
On 3 November 2025 the Joint Standing Committee on Migration kicked off an inquiry into the value and settings of Australia’s skilled migration program, inviting submissions by 5 January 2026. The review could shape future occupation lists, processing priorities and employer compliance obligations.
NZ Opens 12-Month Visa-Free Trial for Pacific and Chinese Travellers Departing Australia
Effective 3 November 2025, Chinese citizens and Pacific Islanders who hold eligible Australian visas can travel directly from Australia to New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days with an NZeTA. The 12-month pilot simplifies trans-Tasman mobility and is expected to boost tourism and business travel.
Electric SkyBus Service Launches at Perth Airport, Boosting Landside Mobility
SkyBus began a dedicated electric coach network at Perth Airport on 3 November 2025, offering 15-minute services to the city and key suburbs. The contract improves ‘first- and last-mile’ connectivity for business and leisure travellers and supports the airport’s emission-reduction targets.
Guardian Visitor Visa Applications Move Online as NZ Digitises Family Mobility
As of 3 November 2025, all Guardian Visitor Visa applications must be lodged via Immigration NZ’s upgraded online system. The change halves expected processing times and offers real-time tracking, benefiting Australian families sending children to New Zealand schools.