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 objective of achieving greater simplification and improving usability.

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 and more open trade relations with Pacific nations.

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 appropriate policy response to those shortages.

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.