Australia’s migration regulations are being updated with new measures aimed at protecting temporary visa holders, strengthening penalties for migration offences, and improving community safety.
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 who are convicted of deliberately underpaying temporary migrant workers will face sanctions. This means they may be banned from sponsoring temporary visa workers in the future, helping protect migrants from exploitation.
Part 2 — Personal Information Disclosure
The changes allow authorities to collect and use personal information when making decisions about individuals affected by the Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth (2020) High Court decision. This helps assess whether permanent stay options may be available.
Part 3 — Updates Penalties for Infringement Notices
Penalties for certain migration offences will now be calculated using penalty units instead of fixed dollar amounts. This ensures fines remain up to date as penalty unit values change over time.
Part 4 — Strengthening BVR Management
New rules apply to some Bridging Visa R holders, including the New Zealand YQ cohort (NZYQ). These changes include:
- The Minister may impose community safety conditions such as curfews or electronic monitoring.
Some conditions may be temporarily paused if a person is arrested, in custody, or staying in a medical facility. - Restrictions on BVR holders or former BVR holders applying for other visas, except for protection visas or further BVR applications.
Click here: Migration Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025