Neos Kosmos reports that the Opposition will resurrect a dormant Home Affairs capability to locate and deport an estimated 77,000 unlawful non-citizens if it wins government. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the measure complements planned cuts to temporary visas and is necessary to restore “values-based” migration. Taylor rejected comparisons with US-style immigration raids, arguing that agencies such as Border Force and ASIO already have the mandate but lack resourcing. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie confirmed that visa-processing units would be expanded so that eliminating bridging visas does not create new backlogs. Business groups remain unconvinced; the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns that deportations without parallel skilled-visa growth could leave critical sectors short-staffed. Universities fear a chilling effect on international enrolments if students perceive an unwelcoming environment. Mobility managers should monitor political developments: a step-change in compliance activity could increase site-visits and right-to-work checks. Employers with historical cohorts of expired-visa workers in supply chains could face sudden labour losses and penalties. Proactive audits and VEVO checks are recommended. While the proposal is election-contingent, the rhetoric indicates bipartisan pressure to reduce overstayer numbers. Companies reliant on backpacker and seasonal labour should diversify recruitment channels in anticipation of tighter enforcement.
Source: Neos Kosmos / AAP
