Federal Budget Immigration 2021 | Australia’s International Border
The Federal Budget Immigration 2021 announcements confirmed the Government’s assumption that Australia’s international border may only begin to gradually re-open from mid 2022.
Here’s some of the main announcements for migrants from the 2021 Federal Budget:
- Australia’s International Border Assumed To Re-open From Mid-2022
- Another Year of Negative Net Overseas Migration (NOM)
- Permanent Migration Program Intake To Remain The Same As Last Year
- Four Year Wait For Migrants To Access Government Benefits
International Border To Gradually Re-Open From Mid 2022 | Federal Budget Immigration 2021
The Federal Budget revealed several key assumptions:
- The international border is expected to gradually re-open from mid-2022
- A full vaccine rollout to be ‘in place’ by the end of 2021
- A quarantine program to remain in place, limiting overseas arrivals
- A gradual return of international students through small phased programs from late 2021 and increasing from 2022
These assumptions are conservative and are based on several factors that are highly uncertain – such as the status of global COVID-19 outbreaks, new strains emerging, the efficacy of the vaccine and uptake of the rollout as well as quarantine solutions.
Australia is committed to re-opening the international border when it is ‘safe to do so’ based on health advice.
Net Overseas Migration (NOM) figures below seem to indicate it may take a few years for widespread travel to return to pre-pandemic levels, even after the border re-opens.
Another Year Of Negative Net Overseas Migration (NOM)
This is the second year Australia has had a negative Net Overseas Migration (NOM) forecast since World War Two. A negative NOM indicates there are more migrants departing Australia than arriving.
Australia’s NOM was forecast to fall from around 194,000 persons in 2019-20 to negative figures in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Interestingly, NOM figures were not provided for 2022-23 and 2023-24, however a positive NOM of 235,000 people is expected in 2024-25.
These figures indicate it will take some time for the NOM to return to pre-pandemic levels and migration is likely to be slow and gradual over coming years.
Australia’s Planned Migration Program To Remain The Same As 2020-21
In 2021-22, the Government will maintain the 2020-21 Migration Program planning level of 160,000 Permanent Visa placements, with almost an even split between Skilled and Family Visas.
Australia’s Migration Program planning levels reflect a ceiling rather than a target and it will be interesting to see if the Government will grant visas at this rate with the border closed.
There will be a continued focus on visa processing for applicants in Australia who apply Onshore.
Family Stream
- Priority for Onshore Partner Visa applicants.
Skilled Stream
- Priority to highly skilled migrants for:
- Employer-sponsored visas – particularly Onshore
- The Business Innovation and Investor program
- Global Talent Visa program
Four Year Wait For Migrants To Access Government Benefits
The Federal Budget Immigration 2021 papers announced a four year waiting period will apply before migrants can access welfare benefits.
Currently, Permanent Residents can receive Family Tax Benefit B immediately, Carers Allowance and Family Tax Benefit A after one year and Paid Parental Leave and Carers payments after two years.
These payment types will be subject to the four-year wait from 2022. Migrants who have already received Permanent Residence before changes take place from 2022 will be exempt.
Interstaff | Federal Budget Immigration 2021
It is important to know that while the international border may be closed until mid 2022, Travel Exemptions for limited circumstances are available and Travel Bubbles are being planned.
- It is still possible to apply for a visa. Visas are still being granted but onshore applications are being prioritised. Applicants that are offshore may be able to enter Australia if they meet a Travel Exemption (for example, for Critical Work or Compassionate reasons) or if they can travel via a Travel Bubble.
- People wishing to migrate may wish to use this time to prepare so they will be in a better position when the international border re-opens. For example, some Family Visas can take several years for the Government to process. In addition, Independent Skilled Visas require a level of preparation that may take many months.
- People who are eligible for Permanent Residence should consider applying.
We will be sharing more insights on the Federal Budget Immigration 2021 announcements in coming days, including the impact for businesses employing skilled visa holders.
We hope this is helpful. You may also be interested in our other articles:
The Australia-New Zealand Travel Bubble
The 408 Pandemic Visa | What you need to know
Applying for a Partner Visa in the COVID-19 Era
Should you require advice on your visa or travel exemption options, we encourage you to get in touch with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents.
Source:
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents
The Department of Home Affairs
The Migration Institute of Australia
Federal Budget Papers 2021
The Guardian
ABC News
