Japan joined the Hague Convention in 2014. Since then, it has worked to handle international child abduction cases according to the Convention’s rules. The Japanese Central Authority helps parents through the process of applying for their child’s return and provides support during legal proceedings.

Challenges

Even though the Hague Convention is helpful, there are challenges:

1. Enforcement Sometimes, countries struggle to enforce the Convention’s rules, especially if local laws differ.

2. Long Legal Battles Court cases can take a long time, causing stress for children and parents.

3. Emotional Impact Returning a child to their home country can be difficult emotionally, especially if they have settled in the new country.

4. Non-Signatory Countries The Convention only applies to countries that have agreed to it. Cases involving countries that haven’t joined can be much harder to resolve.

Notable Cases in Japan

One example involves a Japanese mother who took her children to Japan from the U.S. without the father’s permission. Under the Hague Convention, the father applied for their return. The Japanese court decided in favor of returning the children to the U.S., showing Japan’s commitment to the Convention.

Conclusion

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is essential for dealing with international child abduction cases. By providing a process for the quick return of children and respecting custody decisions, the Convention helps protect children’s welfare. Japan’s participation in the Convention shows its dedication to resolving these difficult cases and supporting affected families.

International child abduction is a heart-wrenching issue affecting countless families worldwide. In an increasingly interconnected world, it has become imperative to address cross-border disputes involving the wrongful removal or retention of children.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, often referred to simply as the Hague Convention, plays a crucial role in these cases, providing a legal framework for the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence.

The Hague Convention: An Overview

The Hague Convention was concluded on October 25, 1980, under the auspices of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. The primary aim of the Convention is to protect children from the harmful effects of international abduction by a parent or guardian and to secure their prompt return to their country of habitual residence. As of 2023, over 100 countries are parties to the Convention, demonstrating its global acceptance and importance.

Objectives of the Hague Convention

  1. Prompt Return of the Child: The Convention seeks to ensure the swift return of abducted children to their habitual residence, thereby restoring the status quo before the abduction occurred.
  2. Protecting Custody Rights: By providing a legal mechanism for the return of abducted children, the Convention reinforces respect for custody arrangements and parental rights as determined by the child’s habitual residence.
  3. Preventing Forum Shopping: The Convention aims to prevent parents from seeking a more favorable legal jurisdiction by wrongfully removing or retaining their child in another country.

Mechanisms and Procedures

The Hague Convention sets forth a clear procedure for the return of an abducted child:

  1. Central Authorities: Each signatory country must designate a Central Authority to handle applications under the Convention. The Central Authority assists in locating the child, facilitating voluntary returns, and providing legal assistance.
  2. Application Process: A parent or guardian seeking the return of an abducted child can submit an application to the Central Authority of either the child’s habitual residence or the country where the child has been taken.
  3. Judicial Proceedings: If voluntary return is not possible, the case is brought before the judiciary in the country where the child is located. The court must determine whether the child was wrongfully removed or retained and whether any exceptions to the return apply.
  4. Exceptions to Return: The Convention provides specific grounds on which a court may refuse to order the return of a child, including the risk of physical or psychological harm to the child, the child’s objections if they are of sufficient age and maturity, and if the return would violate fundamental principles relating to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Hague Convention has been instrumental in addressing international child abduction, it is not without challenges:

  1. Compliance and Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with the Convention’s provisions can be difficult, particularly in countries with less developed legal systems or where the Convention’s principles conflict with local laws and customs.
  2. Prolonged Legal Battles: In some cases, legal proceedings under the Convention can become protracted, leading to extended periods of uncertainty and distress for both the child and the parents involved.
  3. Psychological Impact: The process of returning a child to their habitual residence can be traumatic, especially if the child has developed significant ties in the new country.
  4. Non-Signatory Countries: The Convention’s effectiveness is limited to signatory countries. Cases involving non-signatory countries can be more complex and harder to resolve.

Notable Cases

Several high-profile cases have highlighted the complexities and emotional toll of international child abduction:

  1. Elian Gonzalez Case: Although not directly under the Hague Convention, the Elian Gonzalez case in 2000 drew international attention. Elian, a Cuban boy, was found in Florida after his mother drowned during their attempt to reach the United States. A custody battle ensued between his relatives in Miami and his father in Cuba, culminating in Elian’s return to Cuba.
  2. David Goldman Case: In 2009, David Goldman was reunited with his son Sean after a five-year legal battle. Sean was taken to Brazil by his mother, who subsequently passed away. The case highlighted the challenges of navigating international legal systems and the importance of the Hague Convention. Conclusion

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction remains a vital tool in addressing the complexities of international child abduction. By providing a legal framework for the prompt return of abducted children and reinforcing respect for custody arrangements, the Convention seeks to mitigate the devastating impact of child abduction on families. However, ongoing efforts to improve compliance, address legal challenges, and support affected families are essential to ensure the Convention’s continued effectiveness and humanitarian impact.

Phoenix Law & Associates are specialists in family and migration law, and can help you at a distressing time. Phoenix Law & Associates speak many languages fluently. Call 1800GETHELP. Level 16, 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane #JapaneseLawyers #BrisbaneLawyers #Urdu #Hindi #Pashtu #Mandarin #Cantonese #Korean #Japanese #Portuguese #Romanian #FamilyLaw #spanish #migrationlaw #HagueConvention

The Hague Convention is in force between Australia and the following countries:
• Albania
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (China)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macau (China)
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova, Republic of
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Norway
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Republic of Korea (from 1 June 2015)
• Romania
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Venezuela
• Zimbabwe.

重要なお知らせ：2024年7月1日からビザ条件8107、8607、および8608に変更が適用されます！

オーストラリア政府は、特定のビザを保有している労働者の権利と生産性を向上させるために、ビザ条件8107、8607、および8608に重要な変更を加えます。以下は、2024年7月1日から適用される主要な更新情報です。

施工開始日:　2024年7月1日**

対象ビザ

  • 一時就労（技能）ビザ（サブクラス457）
  • 一時技能不足ビザ（サブクラス482）
  • 技能雇用主スポンサー地方（暫定）ビザ（サブクラス494）

主な変更点

就職移行期間の延長:
スポンサーとなる雇用主との雇用が終了したビザ保持者は、新しい雇用主を見つけるか、他のビザを申請するか、オーストラリアを出国するための手配をするための期間が延長されます。具体的には、

  • 一度に最長180日間、または
  • ビザの有効期間内で最大365日間

柔軟な就労:
移行期間中、ビザ保持者はスポンサー以外の他の雇用主のために働くことができ、関連するノミネーション申請における職種として選択されていない職業でも働くことができます。この変更により、ビザ保持者は新しいスポンサーやビザの手配をする間も雇用を維持するための柔軟性が提供されます。

スポンサーの通知:
スポンサーは、ビザ保持者の辞職やスポンサーシップの終了など、重要な変更があった場合、28日以内に当局に通知する必要があります。これにより、当局はビザ保持者の現在の雇用状況を常に把握することができます。

職業の一貫性:
ビザ保持者は、現在のスポンサーの下で働く間、指定された職種に留まらなければなりません。また、職種に関連する必要なライセンスや登録を守る必要があります。これにより、ビザ保持者がその分野の仕事で必要とされる専門的な技術基準を維持することが保証されます。

適用範囲:
これらの変更は、既存のビザ保持者と2024年7月1日以降にビザを取得する人の両方に適用されます。特に、2024年7月1日以前にスポンサーとの雇用を終了した期間は、新しい期間には含まれません。

これらの更新は、現在のオーストラリアの労働市場（労働力不足）を反映し、しかも特定のビザ保有者のビザ条件における重要な変化を意味し、ビザ保持者に対してより多くの柔軟性と安全性を提供する一方で、スポンサーがその義務を果たすことを確保することとなります。ご自身のビザがこの変更条件の適用範囲内であるかどうか等、ビザに関するご質問は当所まで。

Important Update: Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 Starting 1 July 2024

The Australian Government has implemented significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608, aimed at enhancing worker rights and productivity. Here’s an overview of the key updates that took effect from 1 July 2024:

Effective Date:
1 July 2024

Impacted Visas:

Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494) Key Changes:

Extended Time for Job Transition:
Visa holders who cease employment with their sponsoring employer now have increased flexibility to secure new employment or make alternative arrangements. They will have:

  • Up to 180 days at a time, or
  • A maximum of 365 days in total across the visa grant period

During this time, they can find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia.

Work Flexibility:
During the transition period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination. This change provides greater flexibility for visa holders to maintain employment while they secure a new sponsorship or visa arrangement.

Sponsor Notification:
Sponsors must inform the Department of any significant changes within 28 days. This includes situations where a visa holder resigns or when the sponsorship arrangement ceases. This ensures the Department is kept up-to-date with the current employment status of the visa holder.

Occupational Consistency:
Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their current sponsor. They must also adhere to any required licenses or registrations relevant to their occupation. This requirement ensures that visa holders maintain the professional standards expected in their field.

Applicability:
These changes apply to both existing visa holders and those granted visas on or after 1 July 2024. Importantly, any periods during which a visa holder ceased working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not count towards the new time periods.

Conclusion:
These updates represent a significant shift in visa conditions, providing greater flexibility and security for visa holders while ensuring sponsors meet their obligations. The extended time for job transition and increased work flexibility will likely be welcomed by many visa holders, offering them more time and options to secure their future in Australia.

It’s not always easy to gain an Australian Visa, so you do need expert advice – if there is a way we will find it. Phoenix Law & Associates speak Japanese fluently – and many other languages. Call 1800GETHELP. Level 8 , 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane #homeconveyancing #JapaneseLawyers #BrisbaneLawyers #Urdu #Hindi #Pashtu #Mandarin #Cantonese #Korean #Japanese #Portuguese #Romanian #FamilyLaw #spanish #immigration

Beginning May 10, 2024, prospective students and their guardians aiming to study in Australia will need to meet revised financial capacity requirements. This adjustment comes as part of the Australian government’s efforts to ensure that international students have adequate financial resources to sustain themselves during their studies in the country. The amendment aligns the financial capacity requirement with 75 percent of the national minimum wage, providing a clearer indication of the funds necessary to maintain a basic standard of living while pursuing education in Australia.

Updated financial capacity requirement

The updated financial capacity requirement reflects a consideration for the fact that students spend approximately 25 percent of the year out of course sessions. During this time, they may choose to return to their home countries or engage in unrestricted work opportunities, enabling them to support themselves financially. By recalibrating the financial threshold in this manner, the Australian government aims to empower international students to make informed decisions about their educational journey and mitigate various challenges commonly associated with insufficient financial resources.

One of the primary benefits of the increased financial capacity requirement is the potential reduction in financial distress experienced by international students upon arrival in Australia. Adequate financial preparation ensures that students can meet their living expenses without resorting to excessive work hours, which could otherwise compromise their academic performance and visa compliance. Moreover, the adjustment aims to safeguard students from the risks of exploitation in the workplace, as they are less likely to seek unauthorized employment due to financial pressures.

Increased minimum required funds

The subsequent table will outline the increased minimum required funds necessary to fulfill the financial capacity requirement.

 Financial capacity requirement before 10 May 2024Financial capacity requirement after 10​​ May 2024
primary applicantAUD24,505AUD29,710
spouse or de facto partner of the Student primary applicant (not applicable to Student Guardian applicant)AUD8,574AUD10,394
dependent childAUD3,670AUD4,449
annual school costsAUD9,661AUD13,502
personal annual income if there is no member of the familyAUD72,465AUD87,856
personal annual income where there is a member of the family unitAUD84,543AUD102,500

Table retrieved from Department of Home Affairs Website. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1196

It’s important to note that applications lodged before May 10, 2024, will be assessed based on the financial capacity requirements in effect at the time of application. However, prospective students and their guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements to ensure compliance and avoid any potential discrepancies.

In conclusion, the increase in the financial capacity requirement for Australian student visas represents a proactive step towards enhancing the overall well-being and experience of international students studying in the country. By aligning the financial threshold with a proportion of the national minimum wage, the Australian government aims to foster a supportive environment conducive to academic success and personal development for all international students.

For more detailed information, applicants are directed to refer to the Subclass 500 Student visa and Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa guidelines provided by the Australian government. Alternatively, prospective applicants can contact our office by either calling us on 07 3138 0908 or email us at info@phoenix-law.com.au.

AUSTRALIA HAS OFTEN BEEN CALLED THE LUCKY COUNTRY, BUT IS IT ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES TOO?

Australia consistently ranks highly on global indexes for quality of life and is proud to be a multicultural society that welcomes people from all backgrounds. In terms of healthcare, education, economic freedom, a low crime rate and a high standard of living, Australia is considered a great place to raise a family or build a career. With a thriving arts and culture scene, it is easy to feel at home in Australia, no matter where you are from.

The GALLUP WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT FOR 2024 was released two days ago, and Australians ranked overall 10th globally as the happiest country in the world. Most often, the happiest countries tend to have small populations under 15 million people, but at 26 million people, Australia could be considered a large country, that still rates in the top 10.

Why the happiest?

The Report was based on self-reporting by citizens and showed similar trends amongst happier countries. Some are very obvious –levels of gender equality, a level of trust in institutions and fellow citizens and low corruption, free education and universal healthcare. Those countries suffering war and revolution like Afghanistan clearly will rate as very unhappy.

Australia’s economy is solid and stable, with opportunities for growth in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology, with a low unemployment rate and high wages. Australia’s geographical area is twice that of India, and its population is half of what India has. Residents and visitors agree Australia has incredible natural beauty;  iconic beaches, forests, oceans, lakes, mountains to the stunning outback.

Who are the happiest Australians?

It seems the happiest Australians are aged over 60 years. Australians under 30 years ranked 19th in global happiness. Australia’s young are still far happier than most of the young people in the world but in common with New Zealand, the US and Canada, the concerns were rising social media use, income inequalities, the housing crisis, and fears about climate change.

As Australia’s population has grown, housing densities have had to rise, changing the types of homes that people are used to, but Australia’s young are still a lot happier than most other countries.

The happiest suburbs?

It stands to reason that the happiest suburbs are those that contain people aged 60 plus. Most are in regional towns or close to the water. However, Brisbane has two, despite being a capital city. Most Australians are happy with their surroundings as nature is always so close, with easy access to walking tracks, parks, hiking, surfing, and skiing.

Not so happy?

Even in a lucky and happy country, personal and business issues that take your energy and rob you of sleep will naturally occur.  From Family law concerns to commercial law services, migration law, conveyancing and property needs; personal injury incidents, and Will and Estate planning.

Phoenix Law has skilled lawyers who speak your language and understand your culture – Urdu, Hindi, Pashtu, Farsi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese – English, Portuguese, and Romanian – to help you. CALL 1800GETHELP | Level 16, 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane City|  https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ #BrisbaneLawyers #Urdu #Hindi #Pashtu #Mandarin #Cantonese #Korean #Japanese #Portuguese #Romanian #FamilyLaw #Happiness #Legaladvice

The landscape of worker visas is undergoing a seismic shift, with chicken farmers and music instructors finding favour, while traditional roles like chefs and managers are left off the list. We may see the new era of the Skills in Demand Visa, slated to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa in 2024. This new visa promises a four-year stint for skilled workers across three distinct streams, paving the way for Permanent Residency for all eligible applicants.

The government’s aim to streamline employer-sponsored visas hit a snag with the unveiling of the initial job list, drawing concern from sectors like construction facing acute labour shortages. Despite assurances of prioritising migrants with sought-after skills, the draft list raised eyebrows among employer groups and international students alike.

Under the Skills in Demand Visa umbrella, three pathways emerge: the Specialist Skills Pathway, catering to top-tier professionals commanding a minimum salary of $135,000; the Core Skills Pathway, featuring an updated occupation roster and a salary threshold starting at $70,000; and the Essential Skills Pathway, tailored for lower-wage earners.

While IT professionals and accountants may find themselves initially sidelined, salvation could come in the form of a government proposal granting visas to individuals earning over $130,000, regardless of their field. However, the Hospitality sector stands poised to challenge this plan, underscoring the vital role migration plays in sustaining many eateries and cafes.

Acknowledging the labyrinthine complexity of the current visa system, newly appointed ministers have pledged a simplified approach, echoing Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil’s sentiment on untangling the “bowl of spaghetti” comprising convoluted visa classes and eligibility criteria.

December ushered in a clearer roadmap, condensing work visas into three streamlined streams. The top tier beckons migrants with prospective employers willing to shell out over $130,000, offering a visa irrespective of occupation. On the flip side, those earning below $70,000 may secure visas under specific circumstances, such as in aged care. For earners falling between the $70,000-$130,000 bracket, entry hinges on a revamped jobs list spotlighting high-demand skills and scarce expertise.

Gaining an Australian Visa may be a very complex business. Phoenix Law & Associates have skilled migration lawyers to assist you, who speak your language and understand your culture – Urdu, Hindi, Pashtu, Farsi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese – English, Portuguese, and Romanian – to help you.

CALL 1800GETHELP | Level 16, 300 Adelaide St, Brisbane City| https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ #WorkerVisa #Migration #AustraliaVisa #BrisbaneLawyers #Urdu #Hindi #Pashtu #Mandarin #Cantonese #Korean #Japanese #Portuguese #Romanian #FamilyLaw

Devolución de los gastos de solicitud de visado: Estudiantes y portadores de Working Holiday Visa. (Refunds for Students and Working Holiday Makers arriving in Australia )

El Gobierno australiano ofrece un incentivo para que los estudiantes y los portadores del Working Holiday Visa que estén completamente vacunados viajen a Australia lo antes posible.

(If you are an eligible Student or Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa holder and you arrive in Australia within a specified period you may also be able to claim a refund of the Visa Application Charge. For more information see Working Holiday Makers and Students. For further information about other refund provisions, see Getting a refund. )

Como parte de este incentivo, los titulares de visados de estudiante y del Working Holiday recibirán un reembolso del primer tramo de la tasa de solicitud de visado pagada en relación con ese visado.

Elegibilidad

En el caso de los estudiantes, serás elegible* a la devolución de la tasa de solicitud de visado pagada en relación con ese visado si:

• es titular de un visado de estudiante válido (subclases 500, 560, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574 o 575), y
• llega a Australia con ese visado entre el 19 de enero de 2022 y el 19 de marzo de 2022.

En el caso de los aplicantes del Working Holiday, usted tendrá derecho* a la devolución de la tasa de solicitud de visado pagada en relación con ese visado si:

• eres titular de Working Holiday/Work and Holiday válido (subclases 417 o 462), y
• llega a Australia con esa visa entre el 19 de enero de 2022 y el 19 de abril de 2022.

Cómo solicitar el reembolso

Si cumples con estos criterios de elegibilidad, puedes crear una cuenta y acceder desde esta página:
Visa Refund Portal – Visa Refund Portal (homeaffairs.gov.au)

No es necesario que te apresures a presentar tu solicitud. Siempre que sea titular de un visado de estudiante o del Working Holiday, haya pagado la tasa de solicitud de visado y no haya solicitado ya una exención o un reembolso, y llegue con ese visado dentro de los plazos especificados, podrá solicitar el reembolso. Puede presentar una solicitud en cualquier momento hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022.

Para recibir el reembolso lo antes posible, es recomendable que lo ingrese en una cuenta bancaria australiana o en una tarjeta de crédito válida, en lugar de hacerlo mediante una transferencia internacional.

Póngase en contacto con nosotros inmediatamente para obtener más informaciones sobre migración y visa. Llame al 07 3180 0908 o 1800GETHELP e ; info@phoenix-law.com.au #visa #brisbane #studentvisa #workingholidayvisa #austrália

Enhancing temporary visa settings to support Australia’s economic recovery. 

The Hon Alex Hawke MP; Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Aff​airs has provided a media release on continuing concessions for holders of the following visas in support of Australia’s COVID recovery:

Skilled Recognised Graduate Subclass 476 visas – extensions of 24 months for those engineering graduates who lost time due to border restrictions. This equates to the usual 18 months plus another six months.

Training Subclass 407 visas – secondary SC 407 visa holders – removing the limit on working hours across ALL sectors of the economy. To be reviewed in April 2022.

COVID-19 Pandemic Event Subclass 408 visas – Temporary visa holders (TVH) with work rights will be able to access these visas at nil VAC for 6-12 months if they work in ANY sector of the Australian economy.

These new arrangements are only available to TVH:
• who were in Australia prior to 21 February 2022, or
• who arrive in Australia after 21 February 2022 and have work rights or a job offer from a C’wealth funded AGED CARE service at the Time of Application.

These TVH will be able to apply for these visas up to 90 days before their existing visa expires and remain in Australia for up to 6 months if not working in a key sector or 12 months if working in the key sectors of:
• agriculture
• food processing
• health care
• aged care
• disability care
• child care
• tourism and hospitality

The full media release is available on the Minister’s website.

PLANNING TO MIGRATE to AUSTRALIA?  Skilled Workers? Now is a very good time, as Australia relaxes its international borders and faces real skill shortages.  More workers have left Australia than ever, and not only have less skilled workers arrived in Australia but more are leaving.

With 14,400 workers leaving Queensland alone, local businesses face critical shortages, particularly in health, hospitality and in the regions. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said “The changes complement the government’s recent announcement that fully vaccinated eligible temporary and provisional visa holders may enter Australia without a travel exemption from 1 December 2021.”

TALK TO THE PHOENIX LAW MIGRATION TEAM NOW. Contact your Multilingual friendly legal experts at PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES – CALL 1800GETHELP See https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ or email  info@phoenix-law.com.au #immigration #Australia #Australianimmigration #migrationvisa #PartnerVisa #LawyersBrisbane #spanish #portuguese #mandarin

 

Australia, like the rest of the developed world, faces massive skill shortages, the loss of migrants from Australia is of concern to businesses. In the data released on Friday, 17 December, it was revealed that Australia recorded a net loss of 88,800 people in 2020-21 due to the impact of COVID on overseas migration.

ABS Director Migration Statistics, Jenny Dobak, said the figures show there were more people departing from, than arriving into, Australia during the pandemic, reversing the historical migration pattern. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, many historical patterns of migration have changed,” she said. “Contrast this to 2018-19, prior to the pandemic, when the country recorded a net gain of 241,300 people.”

Nationally, when compared with a year ago, emigration fell 25% (234,600 from 314,200) and immigration fell 71% (145,800 from 506,900).  “In the decade prior to the pandemic, there was an annual net gain from overseas migration for each state and territory,” Ms Dobak said.  “However in 2020-21, during the pandemic, there was a decline in net overseas migration in every state and territory.”

Victoria lost the highest number of migrants recording a loss of 56,100, followed by Queensland (14,400), WA (5,600), NSW (5,500), SA (3,300), ACT (3,100), Tasmania (440) and the Northern Territory (380).

​​Last month, the Office of Home Affairs said it was updating its Migration Program to try and support the economic recovery impacted severely by the loss of migrant skilled workers. The Office said it was aiming to attract 79,600 skilled workers into the country in 2022 – about half the 160,000 migration places it was forecasting.

Of those, 22,000 were allocated to employer-sponsored workers and 13,500 were to be set aside for the business innovation and investment program. It was also changing the visa rules for migrant skilled workers still in Australia.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said these measures recognise the contribution of skilled migrants who remained here during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage them to stay in Australia.

“Eligible skilled workers, already in Australia, will continue to support local businesses facing critical shortages, particularly in health, hospitality and our regions,” Mr Hawke said. “This recognises the economic value-add of these critical workers, and retaining them will greatly assist in Australia’s economic recovery.”

“The changes complement the government’s recent announcement that fully vaccinated eligible temporary and provisional visa holders may enter Australia without a travel exemption from 1 December 2021,” he said.

These visa changes will improve access to permanent residence for:

Existing Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa holders in the short-term stream; and

Legacy Temporary Work Skilled (subclass 457) visa holders who no longer meet the age requirement.

“This is a special concession recognising those highly skilled migrant workers who chose to stay in Australia throughout the pandemic while continuing to address Australia’s acute shortages. This allows them to stay here, with a pathway to Australian citizenship,” Mr Hawke said.

“There are currently about 20,000 primary Temporary Skill Shortage and 457 visa holders in Australia who may benefit from these arrangements. Most of these workers are employed in the highest-skilled occupations and the largest cohorts of workers benefiting from these changes include those currently employed in the health and hospitality industries, including many workers in regional Australia.”

In October, KPMG said the government’s Centre for Population forecasts positive migration will only return in the 2022-23 financial year.

KPMG’s head of immigration services, Belinda Wright, said border closures had severely affected Australia’s migrant program.

She said before the pandemic, Australia had already been falling behind other countries in its ability to attract and retain skilled migrants and travel restrictions had only made that worse.

With thanks, Business Australia.

TALK TO THE PHOENIX LAW MIGRATION TEAM NOW. Contact your friendly multilingual legal experts at PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES – CALL 1800GETHELP See https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ or email  info@phoenix-law.com.au #immigration #Australianimmigration #migrationvisa #PartnerVisa #LawyersBrisbane

Have you FALLEN IN LOVE WITH AN AUSSIE?  If you are considering APPLYING FOR A PARTNER VISA so that you or your special someone can stay together, this booklet was written for you! You can strengthen your Partner Visa application with the help of our experts – they cost very little and come straight from the desk of a leading migration solicitor. Example #1 – Say Cheese! – pull out your iPhone and take a few couple selfies. Taking pictures is a great way to gather evidence of your relationship.

Read more here –  or call your friendly legal experts at PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES Level 16, 300 Adelaide Street Brisbane, | CALL1800GETHELP #PartnerVisa #Aussielove #LawyersBrisbane

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7 Insider Secrets For Your Successful Partner Visa Application #immigrationlawyers #queenslandlaw #spanish #portugeuese