Border Force Seizes Record 586 Million Cigarettes and 3 Million Vapes in National Crack-down
Immigration Minister Flags Flexible—Not Fixed—Migration Targets
Swiss Student Jailed 8 Years for Smuggling 21 kg of Cocaine via Melbourne Airport
Últimas Noticias
Student-Visa Processing List Updated; 30 % of Providers Downgraded to ‘Standard’ Priority
On 24 October, the Department of Education’s latest Visa Prioritisation Status list downgraded many universities from ‘High’ to ‘Standard’ processing. Slower student-visa decisions could ripple into graduate-work and dependent-visa strategies, so employers need to reassess intake timelines.
Biosecurity Update Alters Import Rules for Indonesian Mangosteen Shipments
DAFF’s Industry Advice Notice 360-2025, released 24 October, introduces a pest-management ‘systems approach’ for Indonesian mangosteens, offering an alternative to methyl-bromide fumigation. The change may affect mixed cargo and personal shipments, so employers should verify treatment certificates to avoid delays.
Vanuatu Travel Advice Updated After Quake Damage; ‘Exercise Normal Safety Precautions’ Remains
Smartraveller refreshed its Vanuatu advice on 24 October, noting earthquake-related infrastructure issues but keeping the overall risk level unchanged. FIFO employers and travel managers should re-check accommodation resilience and ensure robust cyclone-season contingencies.
Canberra moves to slash Western Australia’s skilled-migration quota by 30 percent
Canberra has signalled it will cut Western Australia’s 2025-26 state-nominated skilled-migration places by 30 percent, triggering push-back from industry and the WA Government. Employers warn the smaller intake will deepen skills shortages and slow major projects, while the Commonwealth says it is simply rebalancing allocations between states.
Australia opens first MATES ballot, offering 3,000 two-year visas to young Indian professionals
Home Affairs will run the first MATES ballot from 1 November, giving 3,000 qualified young Indians the chance to secure a two-year Australian work visa. The scheme targets high-growth sectors and adds a new option for employers facing STEM shortages.
Permanent migration cap to hold at 185,000 places for 2025-26 program year
Canberra has opted to keep the 2025-26 permanent migration ceiling at 185,000 places, emphasising skilled entrants. The decision offers planning stability for employers but leaves room for re-allocating spots between states.
Surging net migration intensifies Australia’s housing-supply crunch
NPLT arrivals to August 2025 already exceed 379,000, signalling stronger-than-forecast immigration inflows and adding stress to an undersupplied housing market. Mobility teams should brace for higher accommodation costs and longer house-hunting cycles.
South Australia re-opens General Skilled Migration program with new ‘Registration of Interest’ model
South Australia has replaced its first-come, first-served state-nomination model with a Registration of Interest system, aiming to prioritise onshore graduates and critical-skills workers while controlling application volumes.