New eVisitor visa lodgement rules take effect today
Approved Destination Status travel-agent list overhauled for Chinese tour groups
Two Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels to be home-ported in Cairns, strengthening border mobility security
Latest News
New Ministerial Directions fast-track skilled-visa decisions for priority sectors
Ministerial Directions 121 and 122, in force since 19 September, reorder skilled-visa processing to give absolute priority to construction, health, teaching, agriculture, resources, police and defence roles. Employers in other sectors may face longer waits unless applications are lodged onshore.
Australia updates Approved Destination Status list for Chinese group visitor visas
Australia has published a legislative instrument that overhauls the list of Chinese travel agencies authorised to lodge group Visitor (Class FA) visa applications under the Approved Destination Status scheme. The change takes effect on 29 September and is expected to boost Chinese group travel, but does not alter work-rights or length-of-stay rules for ADS travellers.
Regional tourism warns backpacker-visa ballot will slash seasonal workforce
A new ballot that sharply limits second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visas has sparked concern that regional tourism and hospitality businesses will face acute labour shortages this summer. Industry bodies predict a AU $1.65 billion hit to visitor spending and thousands of lost jobs unless the government revises the cap.
Four-night security strike threatens late-evening operations at Sydney Airport
Security staff employed by Certis will strike at Sydney Airport from 10 pm-1 am for four consecutive nights starting 28 September, protesting pay and job security. While the airport predicts minimal impact, airlines and shippers are bracing for potential late-night delays and knock-on disruptions.
Undeclared $1.3 million gold haul nets Sydney traveller a $259 k bill
ABF officers found 8.5 kg of undeclared gold jewellery in a passenger’s luggage at Sydney Airport, issuing a combined fine and duty bill of A$259,000. The case highlights strict Australian declaration requirements and the compliance risks for travellers carrying high-value personal goods.
Philippine Airlines to launch Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai connections for Australia traffic
From December 2026, Philippine Airlines will fly Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai, with connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The new services give Australian companies and VFR travellers an additional one-stop option to India and expand cargo capacity on the Australia–India trade lane.
Philippine Airlines to link four Australian cities with India via Manila from December
From December 2026 Philippine Airlines will offer Manila–Delhi (3 pw) and Manila–Mumbai (4 pw) flights timed to connect with its Australian network, giving travellers a new one-stop Australia–India option and increasing competition with Singapore, Doha and Dubai hubs.