Keeping up with Immigration

Have you ever got to work the morning after there has been an immigration news story to a series of panicked emails -  “Can I still bring my overseas expert for an urgent job next week?”, “Will these changes affect my permanent residence application?”, Is Immigration going to be at my door step?”.

Whether it is the population debate, the skills shortage, the after effects of the global economic crisis, a crackdown on business sponsors, or the management of overseas students, Australia’s immigration policy is frequently controversial and certainly never far from the headlines.

Immigration policy changes fast. As a human resource or global mobility professional you need to be across the changing economic, political and social landscapes that affect Australia’s migration program.

In the last two years Government has conducted extensive, public reviews of Temporary Business Sponsorship, the Overseas Student Program, and General Skilled Migration and there is nothing like a forthcoming Federal Election to fuel these debates. 

With so many changes to immigration law and policy being considered or implemented by Government, it is important for HR and mobility professionals to keep abreast of these changes and the possible impact on their foreign worker programs.  It is good practice to follow the debates in the media, not only because these provide guidance on the potential future direction of the migration program but also because employees that are moving to Australia often have a keen interest in these current issues.

Regular visits to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website www.immi.gov.au will generally reveal the hot topics of the day either through the publication of discussion papers or ministerial press releases.  Working with a trusted specialist provider can ensure that you are on top of the changes by explaining how these changes affect the management of your overseas workers in Australia. As an ongoing measure, it is vital to regularly review your internal policies to ensure that you are fully compliant.

Fragomen is Australia’s leading immigration law firm, with offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.  Our professional staff of solicitors and registered migration agents understand not only what the immigration laws are, but the policy context behind their making.  As industry experts, our staff are able to assess the effect of the any changes to law and policy and how these will affect your business.

With a focus on corporate visa work, Fragomen is very well placed to provide advice and assistance across every aspect of Australia’s migration program whether it is the sponsorship of overseas employees, compliance with sponsorship obligations and the employment of temporary residents generally, permanent residence on skilled or family grounds, short term visits or challenging a decision of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

As with any controversial area of government policy, opinions, myths and rumours about immigration abound.  Being sure about the effect of a change is crucial to the successful management of your foreign worker population.

MARN 9368525