The Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 2) Bill 2025 has updated the Migration Act 1958 and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to modernise the collection of facial images as personal identifiers, validate previously collected facial images and related actions, and remove certain residence barriers for citizenship applicants whose work overseas benefits Australia.
Schedule 1 amends both the Migration Act and Citizenship Act to ensure facial-image collection powers reflect current biometric technology and align with international practice. It also validates facial images collected or provided before commencement, including any administrative decisions made using those images.
Schedule 2 amends the Citizenship Act to lift specific residence barriers for people undertaking activities of benefit to Australia who must spend extended periods overseas. This change applies within the special residence framework in section 22A.
The Act received Royal Assent on 1 December 2025. Sections 1–3 and Schedule 2 commenced on 2 December 2025, while Schedule 1 commences by Proclamation or, if not proclaimed earlier, on 1 June 2026. Click here: Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 2) Bill 2025