DFAT issues ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional attacks
New Ministerial Directions overhaul processing order for employer-sponsored visas
Nationals say backpacker-visa fast-track ‘band-aid’ won’t save harvests
Latest News
Australia raises Bahrain advice to ‘Reconsider Travel’ as Gulf tensions rise
DFAT now advises Australians to ‘Reconsider Travel’ to Bahrain, citing missile-attack risks and potential flight disruptions. Businesses with personnel in Bahrain must refresh security plans, arrange alternate evacuation routes and ensure insurance coverage under a Level 3 advisory.
NSW DAMA consultation closes, subclass 190 invitation rumours swirl
Consultation on a potential NSW Designated Area Migration Agreement closes 23 October 2026. While industry hopes it will ease regional skill shortages, no DAMA has been approved yet. Unverified reports of new subclass 190 invitations are circulating; employers should await official confirmation.
South Australia opens limited on-shore ROI window ahead of January visa cliff
South Australia has opened a special Registration of Interest round for on-shore skilled migrants whose visas end by 31 January 2027. The limited window offers a pathway to state nomination under subclasses 190 and 491 but is restricted to applicants already working in priority sectors within the state.
Northern Territory hosts webinar to clarify student-visa rule changes
Study NT is holding a 23 October webinar with Home Affairs officials to explain recent student-visa reforms. International students and employers can gain authoritative guidance on the new onshore-application ban and dependant restrictions, helping to counter confusion in the market.
Tasmania issues 70 state-nomination invitations in latest round
Tasmania invited 38 skilled-migration candidates for subclass 190 and 32 for subclass 491 nomination in its 23 October round, with lowest ROI scores of 317 and 76. The figures indicate continued demand for skilled workers but underscore the importance of accurate documentation and genuine ties to the state.
Ministerial Direction 123 Set to Toughen Visa Character Decisions from 31 October
Ministerial Direction 123—effective 31 October—will guide case officers to place greater weight on community safety and hate-related conduct when deciding visa refusals and cancellations. Employers should urgently review any staff with criminal histories or pending character matters.
Super Typhoon Champi Triggers Taiwan Travel Alert for Australians
DFAT warns Australian travellers that Super Typhoon Champi is disrupting flights and ground transport in northern Taiwan. Businesses should review itineraries, ensure TWAC arrival cards are filed and prepare for weather-related office closures.
DFAT Updates Canada Travel Advisory After Ebola-linked Border Rules Tighten
DFAT’s 22 October 2026 advisory keeps Canada at the lowest risk level but flags extended Ebola-related entry restrictions and reiterates the need for an electronic travel authorisation. Australian corporates must verify routing for Africa-based assignees and add eTA compliance to pre-trip checks.
Nigeria Ebola Case Prompts Stricter Entry Rules; DFAT Upgrades Health Guidance
Following confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, DFAT now requires Australians heading to Nigeria to complete a Health Declaration Form and prepare for on-arrival screening. Companies must reassess duty-of-care provisions for staff in high-risk Nigerian locations.
Chile Stays at ‘High Degree of Caution’ as DFAT Warns of Taxi Scams and Protest Risk
DFAT’s latest bulletin keeps Chile at its existing risk level but highlights new security trends—airport taxi scams, drink-spiking and shifting protest zones—that raise operational risk for Australian business travellers.