News

South Australia and Tasmania have released their latest skilled migration nomination invitation updates for January 2026 under the 2025–26 program year. The South Australian Government issued nomination invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. Total invitations issued in the 2025–26 program year to date: The Tasmanian Government updates its nomination invitation data on a weekly basis, with the most recent update released on 8 January 2026. Invitations issued on 8 January 2026: Nomination places remaining for the 2025–26 program year: Click here: South Australian Government and Tasmanian Government

Businesses operating under the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) are being encouraged to take a more strategic approach when submitting variation requests, as the volume of applications has increased significantly. The update notes that the FNQ DAMA framework supports forward workforce planning, allowing The FNQ DAMA is designed to support long-term workforce planning, allowing employers to seek approval for required occupations and staffing needs in advance, rather than lodging multiple requests for individual nominees. Variation requests can cover projected recruitment requirements over a 12–24 month period, enabling companies to plan ahead and reduce processing delays. The Department of Home Affairs has noted that frequent small variation submissions are creating administrative strain and are inconsistent with the intended operation of the DAMA program. If this continues, the Department may introduce a restriction of one variation request per employer per year. Employers are encouraged to consolidate workforce needs into fewer, more comprehensive submissions. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce continues to provide monthly FNQ DAMA information sessions for businesses, with the next session scheduled for Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Click here: Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Companies and organisations supporting the delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should note an important visa development. The Australian Government has officially designated Brisbane 2032 as an Approved Government-Endorsed Event (AGEE) for the purposes of the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa. Under a new legislative instrument, eligible individuals involved in the Games may apply for a Subclass 408 visa with a Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) as primary applicants under the AGEE stream. This initiative is intended to support the smooth entry of critical personnel required for the event, including athletes, officials, media representatives, and specialised staff. The eligible class of persons includes individuals accredited by the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, as well as members or personnel of key international bodies such as: The instrument will commence on 21 January 2026 and remain in effect until 6 September 2032. Businesses engaged in event delivery, broadcasting, sponsorship, or logistics should consider this visa pathway when planning workforce needs. Click here: Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC for Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) – Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games) Instrument 2025

The Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2025 introduce important changes to the Administrative Review Tribunal Rules 2024, effective from 19 December 2025. These updates aim to streamline Tribunal processes and ensure a more efficient and flexible administrative framework. Key Updates Include: The amendments enable the President of the Tribunal to authorise registrars and staff members of the Tribunal to exercise or perform additional powers or functions. This change aims to enhance the Tribunal’s ability to efficiently progress matters before they are heard by a Tribunal member. The rules now provide that limitations on the exercise of certain authorised powers or functions will be imposed by the President in the authorising instrument, rather than being prescribed in the ART Rules The amendments introduce provisions for additional decisions for which an application fee is not payable. This change is a result of the Aged Care Act 2024, which came into effect on 1 November 2025.

The Migration Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 introduce important changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, aiming to protect temporary visa holders, modernise penalties, and enhance community safety while addressing recent court decisions to maintain a fair and transparent migration system. These amendments, effective from 12 December 2025, reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to improve Australia’s migration system and ensure fairness and safety in the community. Key Amendments: Part 1 — Prohibited Employers Employers convicted of intentionally underpaying a temporary migrant worker under section 327A of the Fair Work Act 2009 will face a migrant worker sanction. This will prevent them from sponsoring temporary workers under the Migration Act, protecting workers from exploitation. Part 2 — Personal Information Disclosure This amendment allows for the collection and use of personal information by authorities to inform decisions on issuing certificates to individuals affected by the Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth (2020) decision and assess the possibility of offering permanent stay. Part 3 — Modernising Penalties for Infringement Notices Penalties for offences under sections 229 and 230 of the Migration Act will now be based on penalty units rather than specific dollar amounts, aligning penalties with future increases in the value of a penalty unit under the Crimes Act 1914. Part 4 — Strengthening BVR Management Changes to the management of Bridging Visa Remain (BVR) holders, especially for New Zealand YQ cohort (NZYQ), include: Click here: Migration Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025

The WA Community Engagement Team has released its January newsletter, featuring several important updates and new resources from the Department of Home Affairs. Key highlights from this edition are outlined below. Status Resolution Service – Online Appointment Form and Translated Resources The Department’s Immigration Status Resolution Service has introduced an online new online appointment request form, enabling clients to book meetings with a Status Resolution Officer at a convenient time. Appointments can be conducted either: In addition, the Department has released translated communication materials in 19 languages to support client understanding of visa status and available resolution pathways. Translated Support for Visa Holders Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence The Department’s Domestic violence and your visa webpage provides information on support services available to visa holders experiencing domestic and family violence. To improve accessibility, this information is now available in 16 languages, ensuring affected clients can better understand the assistance and pathways available. Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot – Program Extension The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot, which began on 1 July 2021, has been extended for a further 12 months under existing program settings. Key details include: Further information on eligibility and arrangements is available on the Department’s website. Free Australian Citizenship Preparatory Workshops – Ellenbrook and Bentley Multicultural Futures, in partnership with local councils, is offering free Australian Citizenship Workshops in Ellenbrook and Bentley. These sessions help participants prepare for the Australian Citizenship Test and include:

The Minister for Home Affairs has announced a new visa package designed to support the entry of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028. The visa package will support travel to Australia for PNG Chiefs-related personnel, including players, coaches, officials, media and fans. Visitor visas linked to PNG Chiefs travel will: The Department of Home Affairs has launched a dedicated webpage with visa information and resources for all PNG Chiefs stakeholders. Further updates will be added as the team’s NRL commencement approaches. To support timely processing, dedicated officers within the Pacific Service Centre will manage visa applications associated with the PNG Chiefs’ participation in the NRL from 2028. Click here: Australia welcomes Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs to National Rugby League!

OMARA has provided the following update to all registered migration agents concerning the closure of the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration operations at the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai, the Australian High Commission in Singapore, and the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. The full communication is included below for your reference. “This email has been sent on behalf of the Overseas Immigration Projects and Planning Team  Effective 31 December 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has ceased immigration operations at:  These decisions affect the immigration functions in these locations only.  Ceasing immigration operations in these locations will not impact visa applicants, as visa applications are lodged via digital platforms. There is no need for clients to attend one of our overseas missions in person to lodge a visa application.  The Home Affairs website has been updated to reflect these changes. As is the case now, visa applications in these regions will continue to be processed anywhere in Home Affairs’ global immigration network.  If you have any further questions, please contact us using this web form: Registered migration agent and legal practitioner enquiries and feedback.”

OMARA has advised that all registered migration agents must migrate their accounts to the new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system before 2 February 2026 to ensure continued access to the OMARA portal. Agents who do not complete the migration by this deadline may face difficulties renewing their registration or logging into the portal. The system will not automatically link existing records with new MFA records, which could result in delays due to manual processing. Video and written guides are available to support agents through the migration process. Agents who have already migrated do not need to take any further action and should have uninterrupted access from 2 February 2026 onward. For quick reference, click here. 

The UK Government has announced changes to its entry requirements for dual citizen British and Irish nationals. From 25 February 2025, dual citizen British and Irish nationals must enter the United Kingdom using a valid British or Irish passport, or a passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement. Entry will no longer be permitted using another nationality’s passport alone. While these changes do not relate to Australian migration law, they may be relevant for individuals who hold British or Irish citizenship in addition to Australian citizenship, or for those seeking general information about international travel requirements. View the full guidance on the UK Government website.