The Albanese Labor Government introduced the Skills in Demand visa on 7 December 2024, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage visa as part of the government's Migration Strategy. The new visa system establishes a public register of approved sponsors and increases worker mobility to reduce the exploitation of temporary migrant workers.

The Skills in Demand visa addresses critical recommendations from the 2023 Review of the Migration System, which found evidence of systemic exploitation and risks of an emerging permanently temporary underclass. The visa operates through three pathways based on earnings and occupation, with the Core Skills pathway requiring occupations listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List covering more than 450 occupations.

A key reform is the introduction of a public register of all approved sponsors, showing business names, Australian Business Numbers, postcodes, number of workers sponsored, and their occupations.

This register allows visa holders to verify employer legitimacy and search for new sponsors. Workers now have 180 days to find another sponsor if employment ceases, increased from 60 days, and can work during this transition period. Employment with any approved sponsor now counts towards permanent residency requirements, ending the previous restriction where only time with a single sponsor was recognised.

• Public register of approved sponsors introduced to increase transparency and prevent exploitation

• 180 days granted for visa holders to find new sponsors if employment ends, up from 60 days

• Employment with any approved sponsor now counts towards permanent residency requirements

[1] https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf