The Australian Government has progressed new legislation aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within the skilled migration system through the introduction of a public register of approved work sponsors.
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 seeks to amend the Migration Act 1958 to provide for the publication of a register of approved work sponsors. This register will include both standard business sponsors and accredited sponsors who nominate skilled workers for entry into Australia.
The register, to be maintained by the Department of Home Affairs and made publicly accessible via its official website, is expected to include the following information:
- The type of approved work sponsor
- The name of the approved work sponsor
- The sponsor’s Australian Business Number (ABN)
- The postcode associated with the sponsor’s ABN (where applicable)
- The number of nominations made by the sponsor
- The types of occupations covered by those nominations
This initiative is intended to promote greater transparency within the employer-sponsored visa program, enhance regulatory oversight, and support compliance across sponsoring entities.
The Bill was introduced on 27 November 2025 and passed both Houses of Parliament on 1 April 2026. It will commence upon receiving Royal Assent, either on a date to be fixed by proclamation or within six months thereafter.
Click here: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025