This paper examines the precarious working situation of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia on ‘Final Departure' Bridging Visa E as a case study for understanding potential modern slavery risks for refugees on temporary visas.

The COVID crisis highlights how important migrant workers are to the Australian economy, yet the role migrants play in the jobs market is poorly understood. This guidebook seeks to fill that knowledge gap so policy-makers can reform the system to supercharge the economic benefits of...

This position paper proposes that the Australian government reform the visa pathway requirements to enable refugees on a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) to access a permanent visa.

This report recommends that the Australian government should allow Temporary Protection visa (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) holders to access a simplified residency pathway.

This inquiry was initiated to examine the impact temporary migration has on the Australian economy, wages and jobs, social cohesion and workplace rights and conditions. The primary recommendation stemming from this inquiry is that a comprehensive review be undertaken of Australia's visa system, with the...

The global coronavirus pandemic has closed borders across the Pacific region since 2020 and subsequently disrupted tourism and trade between Australia and many Pacific island countries. This report outlines the significant role the Australian economy may be able to play in the region, through improved...

In gathering evidence for this final report, the Committee considered skilled migration in the context of the other levers available to government. It became apparent that greater coordination of effort across the Commonwealth and across jurisdictions is needed to identify labour shortages and formulate the...

Before COVID-19, Australia was one of the world’s most open countries for migration. However, recent travel restrictions have brought migration to a standstill. This report shows how Australia’s permanent skilled migration program should change when borders are reopened.

COVID-19 has had a significant effect on Australia’s workforce. This interim report makes recommendations specifically to deal with the economic effects of the pandemic.

From a slow start in 2008, Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) has become a growing source of employment in the Pacific, and an important part of the seasonal workforce for Australian farmers. This report recommends ways to improve SWP governance, both in Australia and in...

The focus of the terms of reference for this inquiry was, in part, on the economic impact of the disruption of access to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Joint Committee on Migration has decided to produce this interim report for the inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker Program because of the urgent need to address the substantial labour shortages Australia’s agricultural and horticultural industry is facing for the upcoming harvest season.

This paper examines how unemployment and income loss for temporary humanitarian visa holders impacts on their health and well-being, and projects some of the subsequent fiscal implications for State and Territory governments.

This briefing focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum seekers holding Bridging Visas (BVs “A”, “C” and “E”), and refugees on Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) and Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs).

Temporary migration has grown in Australia considerably since the turn of the century. There are now over 2.4 million individuals in Australia living or working on temporary visas, fundamentally shaping Australian society and the Australian economy. This report outlines the nature of temporary migration in...

The Federal Government is predicting a 30 per cent drop in the number of migrants this financial year, and an 85 per cent drop in 2020-21 (compared with 2018-19). Some argue the coronavirus-induced slump offers an opportunity to rethink Australia's migration program.

This paper presents results from an analysis of a survey of skilled migrants who were awarded permanent or temporary visas to reside in South Australia between June 2010 and December 2014.

Permanent residence visas issued to persons sponsored by an Australian resident for a partner visa make up 25% of Australia’s permanent entry migration program. This paper argues that this is because the partner visa is an attractive permanent residence option for the very large number...

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed 'deep concern' at the government's proposal to ban refugees who arrive by boat from ever entering Australia. The UN body has reminded the Turnbull government that Australia has a responsibility to offer protection to all asylum...

Under various arrangements since the 1920s, there has been a free flow of people between Australia and New Zealand. Historically, migration flows across the Tasman have been large in both directions, but since the 1960s more New Zealanders than Australians have chosen to cross the...