Australia has spoken and the result is decisive. In a historic win, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party (ALP) have secured a second term with an increased majority. It’s the first time in over a century that a Labor leader has won consecutive elections with a strengthened mandate.
So what does this mean for migration and more importantly, for Australian employers who rely on skilled international talent?
At a time of growing global competition for skilled workers, and increasing policy complexity, we remain the trusted experts in Australian immigration strategy for employers. With over 25 years of experience in cross-border recruitment and compliance, we help businesses navigate policy change with confidence and are here to help you too.
Labor Holds Power – What to Expect
While the election campaign saw immigration become a political flashpoint, the ALP has remained largely steady in its approach. We anticipate a continued commitment to a migration system that balances economic needs with regulatory tightening, particularly around student and graduate pathways.
Based on the 2024/25 Federal Budget and pre-election positioning, we expect:
- The permanent migration cap to remain at 185,000, focused on skilled and regional categories
- The Humanitarian intake to hold steady at 20,000
- A significant increase in student visa application charges from July 2025 doubling to $2,000 for primary applicants
- Continued efforts to improve integrity across student and post-study work visa routes
- A likely review, but not removal of existing exemptions within the Disability Discrimination Act
- Ongoing rejection of investor visa programs, including the Significant Investor Visa
For employers, the key takeaway is this
While student and graduate pathways may narrow, employer-sponsored routes such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa remain central to Australia’s workforce planning strategy.
Expert Insight: Act now, plan ahead
According to Nassim Lalehzari, our Chief Commercial Officer and Registered Migration Agent, now is a crucial time for employers to take action:
“Labor’s win brings a sense of continuity, but also signals more regulation and higher costs in non-sponsored visa streams. For employers, the opportunity lies in acting now before demand spikes or processing times blow out.”
She continues:
“The 482 visa remains one of the most reliable pathways for securing offshore talent, but you need to get your strategy right from day one. We’re helping clients across healthcare, infrastructure, and manufacturing lock in the workers they need before mid-year changes take full effect.”
Nassim also notes the pressure employers face:
“Australia’s skill shortages aren’t going away. With a stable Labor government and a tightening student visa talent pool, employers must lean on trusted partners who understand the policy and the people.”
Why Employers Choose Us
We’re not just a migration and recruitment agency – we’re a strategic partner. Our integrated approach brings together:
✅ International recruitment specialists
✅ Registered Migration Agents
✅ Settlement and retention experts
All under one roof. This means you get a fully managed solution for sourcing, securing, and supporting international workers in Australia.
We help you:
- Identify talent in markets like the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom
- Navigate migration strategy and visa pathways
- Stay ahead of legislative changes and compliance risks
- Provide a seamless relocation experience that builds loyalty and long-term retention
Whether you need Fitters in Queensland, Electricians in New South Wales, or Civil Engineers in Western Australia, we’ve got the insight, systems, and people to make it happen.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
With the 2025 election behind us and immigration settings on the move, now’s the time to get ahead not wait.
Talk to our team today about your migration and recruitment strategy for the year ahead.
