Migration Reform Watch: Compliance and Onshore Skilled Priorities Draw Media Attention

The Age reported on 14 August that the Federal Government was considering directing more immigration-compliance resources towards people who no longer hold a lawful right to remain. The proposal was described as one possible element of a broader package still under government consideration.

What directions have been reported?

• More compliance activity concerning unlawful work and visa overstays;
• a stronger focus on timely departure when a temporary stay lawfully ends;
• a review of how skilled migration responds to economic and occupational needs;
• balancing lower net overseas migration with workforce demand in health, education, construction and resources.

Western Australia is focused on offshore skills

The West Australian reported that Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King described the WA and Commonwealth governments as aligned on the importance of skilled migration, while also recognising housing and infrastructure capacity. The comments did not announce a WA exemption or new state or federal visa rules.

What has not changed?

• No new visa category or occupation list has commenced because of these reports;
• there is no formal confirmation that offshore applications have stopped;
• no official announcement gives WA a special exemption;
• media discussion does not change the legal criteria for applications already lodged.

XI Visa perspective

The reports are worth monitoring because compliance, temporary-migrant departures and the allocation of onshore and offshore skilled places may remain central policy themes. Applicants should wait for a ministerial announcement, a formal Home Affairs update or registered legislation before changing plans in response to media reports.