Australian Government Announces 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels

On May 14, 2024, the Australian Government announced the planning levels for the 2024–25 Australia permanent Migration Program, setting the target at 185,000 places. This strategic allocation is designed to address skills shortages in priority sectors, with a particular emphasis on regional Australia, while supporting domestic workforce development.

Objectives of the 2024–25 Migration Program

The primary goals of the 2024–25 Migration Program include:

• Filling critical skill gaps to enhance economic productivity.
• Prioritizing visa processing for regional areas.
• Strengthening family and community bonds to enhance social cohesion.

The Migration Program aims to boost the working-age population, thereby increasing labor force participation and overall economic capacity.

Composition of the Migration Program

The program is divided into three main streams:

1. Skill Stream: Allocated 132,200 places, approximately 71% of the total program. This stream focuses on:
   • Improving economic productivity.
   • Addressing labor market shortages, especially in regional areas.
2. Family Stream: Allocated 52,500 places, approximately 28% of the total program. This stream facilitates family reunification and includes:
   • Partner Visas: 40,500 places, reflecting a demand-driven approach.
   • Child Visas: 3,000 places, also demand-driven.
3. Special Eligibility Stream: Allocated 300 places, covering visas for individuals in special circumstances, such as returning permanent residents.

Detailed Breakdown of Visa Categories

Skill Stream

• Employer-Sponsored: Increased to 44,000 visas from 36,825 in 2023–24. This increase supports the new pathway to permanent residence for temporary migrants.
• Skilled Independent: Reduced to 16,900 visas from 30,375 in 2023–24, reflecting adjustments to demand and other strategic priorities.
• Regional and State/Territory Nominated: Both categories increased to 33,000 visas each, emphasizing the importance of skilled migration to regional areas.
• Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP): Reduced to 1,000 visas, with the BIIP set to close in July 2024, making way for the new National Innovation visa.
• Global Talent: Reduced slightly to 4,000 visas as the program transitions to the forthcoming National Innovation visa.
• Distinguished Talent: Maintained at 300 visas.

Family Stream

• Partner Visas: Maintained at 40,500 places.
• Parent Visas: Maintained at 8,500 places.
• Child Visas: Set at 3,000 places for planning purposes.
• Other Family Visas: Maintained at 500 places.

Special Eligibility Stream

• Allocated 300 places, down from 400 in 2023–24.

Policy Adjustments and Strategic Focus

Employer-Sponsored Visas:

• The increase to 44,000 visas supports the transition to permanent residence for temporary migrants.

State/Territory Nominated Visas:

• Both categories (Skilled Nominated and Skilled Work Regional) are crucial for addressing specific regional labor market needs.

Skilled Independent Visas:

• The reduction reflects a strategic shift towards other visa categories and economic needs.

BIIP:

• The program's closure is based on economic assessments indicating poor outcomes. The new National Innovation visa will better target high-value migrants.

Global Talent Visas:

• The reduction and transition to the National Innovation visa align with broader talent and innovation strategies.

Family Stream:

• Maintained to ensure family reunification and social cohesion, with a focus on the demand-driven Partner visa category.

Consultations and Planning Process

The planning levels and settings for the 2024–25 Migration Program were informed by consultations with various stakeholders, including:

• State and territory governments.
• Academia.
• Industry and unions.
• Community organizations.

Considerations included public submissions, economic and labor forecasts, international research, and economic and fiscal modeling.

State and Territory Nomination Allocations

Allocations allow states and territories to nominate applicants in the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa categories. These allocations are set annually and reflect the specific needs and criteria of each jurisdiction.

2023–24 Nomination Allocations:

• ACT: 600 (190 visas), 600 (491 visas)
• NSW: 2,650 (190 visas), 1,500 (491 visas)
• NT: 250 (190 visas), 400 (491 visas)
• QLD: 900 (190 visas), 650 (491 visas)
• SA: 1,100 (190 visas), 1,200 (491 visas)
• TAS: 600 (190 visas), 600 (491 visas)
• VIC: 2,700 (190 visas), 600 (491 visas)
• WA: 1,500 (190 visas), 850 (491 visas)

Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

NOM includes temporary migration and is distinct from the permanent Migration Program. Around 60% of permanent visas are granted to onshore applicants, minimizing immediate impacts on housing and infrastructure.

Future Directions: Multi-Year Planning Model

From 2025–26, the Migration Program will adopt a multi-year planning model, extending the planning horizon to four years. This approach will better align migration planning with long-term infrastructure, housing, and services planning. Public consultation for the first four-year cycle will commence later in 2024.

Conclusion

The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program is designed to address Australia's economic and social needs by prioritizing skill-based migration, supporting regional development, and fostering family reunification. The strategic adjustments and the move towards a multi-year planning model reflect a forward-looking approach to managing Australia's migration needs in alignment with broader national priorities. For more information click at Fly High Visas.