Absolute Immigration Legal

🌿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 💚

Mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel, connect with others and navigate life's challenges.

This World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that creating a mentally healthy workplace starts with understanding, compassion and a culture where people feel safe to speak openly and seek support when they need it.

At Absolute Immigration Group, we believe that when people feel supported, respected and valued, they are empowered to do their best, both professionally and personally. Looking after our mental wellbeing is not just about overcoming challenges. It is about building resilience, encouraging balance and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let us continue to break the stigma, support one another and make mental wellbeing a priority every day.

💚 Together, we thrive.

🔗 Learn more: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01mYwC0

A well deserved recognition! 🌟

We are proud to congratulate Yen Wong, Immigration Manager at Absolute Immigration Legal, on being named a finalist in the 2026 Quest TEMi Australasian Workforce Management Awards in the Rising Star in Mobility category.

Through her dedication, expertise and commitment to the immigration law profession, Yen plays an important role in supporting individuals and businesses navigating the complexities of immigration and global mobility.

As proud sponsors of the 2026 Quest TEMi Awards, we feel privileged to be part of an event that celebrates the people and organisations making a difference in our industry. A big thank you to TEMi for bringing the industry together and recognising the outstanding contributions of professionals across the workforce mobility sector.

Congratulations, Yen! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to celebrating this achievement! 👏

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗔𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝟯𝟭 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) have been extended for a further four months.

The extension will keep the existing arrangements in place until 31 January 2027, while negotiations conclude for a new five-year statewide DAMA.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:

• Current DAMA terms and conditions remain unchanged
• The most recent changes to the existing arrangements were made in June 2026
• Negotiations are continuing for a new five-year statewide DAMA
• Further details and transition arrangements will be announced once negotiations conclude

For employers using DAMA pathways, the extension allows the current arrangements to remain in place while the new statewide DAMA is finalised.

Our team can help you understand how the current arrangements may support your workforce needs. Contact our team of expert Immigration Lawyers at 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻@𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺.

⚖️ 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴

From 31 October 2026, Ministerial Direction 123 will replace MD 110 and change how certain character-related visa decisions are assessed.

MD 123 applies to decisions under sections 501 and 501CA of the Migration Act 1958, including visa refusals, cancellations and revocation decisions.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

• Primary considerations reduce from five to four, with community protection generally carrying the greatest weight
• Ties to Australia move from a primary to another consideration
• Domestic and family violence protections are expanded
• A new character test ground addresses hatred and extremism
• The threshold for assessing certain future conduct risks is lowered
• Australian business interests are no longer listed as another consideration

The changes place greater emphasis on community protection, family violence, hate crime, extremism and community expectations.

Anyone affected by a character-related visa decision should understand how the new guidance may apply to their circumstances.

🔗 Read the full article to understand the changes under MD 123 here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01pkFJ0

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮?

Migrant Justice Institute report highlights widespread worker exploitation
The Migrant Justice Institute has released new research highlighting widespread underpayment among temporary migrant workers in Australia. The Off the Books report draws on almost 10,000 responses to the 2024 National Temporary Migrant Work Survey.

Two thirds of surveyed migrant employees received less than their minimum legal entitlements, while international students alone may be underpaid by around $61 million each week.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳?

• More than one in three surveyed migrants worked on an ABN in their lowest paid job
• ABN work was more than four times as common as across the general workforce
• Cash payments, missing payslips and misleading payslips were identified alongside underpayment
• Insecure working arrangements can increase the risk of workplace exploitation
Understanding how you are engaged and how your work is recorded can be important when concerns arise about your workplace rights or immigration circumstances.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽

Concerned that your employment circumstances could have implications for your visa or migration pathway? Our immigration lawyers can assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored immigration legal advice.

📖 Read the full article to understand the report findings and what they may mean for temporary visa holders: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01p3DH0

📧 For immigration legal advice tailored to your circumstances, contact [email protected].

🎉 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 🎉

Two years of dedication, expertise and making a positive impact. Congratulations to Jessica on reaching this wonderful milestone with Absolute Immigration Legal.

Over the past two years, Jessica has consistently demonstrated professionalism, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Her ability to navigate complex immigration matters with confidence and care has made her a trusted member of our team and a valued support to those she assists.

Thank you, Jessica, for your hard work, commitment and everything you contribute each day. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to many more years together 🧡

📢 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟭𝟵 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱. 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝟭𝟮𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟮𝟮 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁!

Australia’s skilled visa processing priorities have changed following the revocation of Ministerial Direction 119. From 19 September 2026, Directions 121 and 122 introduce a new processing order across much of Australia’s skilled migration program.

One of the biggest changes is how priority sector applications are treated. Eligible applicants in construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources can now receive first priority, whether they apply from Australia or overseas. Occupations linked to Australia’s law enforcement and defence interests are also included.

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟮𝟭: 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝟰𝟴𝟮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Direction 121 covers the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and legacy Temporary Skill Shortage applications.

1. Applications involving occupations within the identified priority sectors.
2. Subclass 482 Specialist Skills stream applications.
3. Other applications lodged by primary applicants in Australia.
4. Other applications lodged overseas by a primary applicant alone.
5. All remaining applications

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟮𝟮: 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Direction 122 covers subclasses 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 489, 491, 494, 887 and 888. The Directions also apply to certain applications already lodged and not yet decided.

1. Applications involving occupations within the identified priority sectors.
2. Other applications lodged by primary applicants in Australia.
3. Other applications lodged overseas by a primary applicant alone.
4. All remaining applications.

Importantly, these Directions do not change visa eligibility requirements. They change the order in which applications are considered.

The new priorities also apply to certain applications already lodged and awaiting a decision.

For employers, this change could have important implications for recruitment and workforce planning.

🔗 Read our article to understand what Directions 121 and 122 could mean for you or your business here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01nGbh0

Minister for Home Affairs of Australia, Tony Burke, is set to release new Ministerial Directions updating processing priorities for the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa program, especially under the Specialist Skills stream.

Agriculture, resources, and fisheries-sector applications will receive elevated priority, with only exceptional circumstance cases receiving immediate attention.

For further information on these updates, read our full article here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01nr7Q0

Absolute Immigration Group will continue to monitor updates as they are released and ensure you remain informed and supported throughout these changes.

🇦🇺 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴

For many, Australian citizenship is more than the final step in an immigration journey. It is a meaningful milestone that formally recognises a sense of belonging and connection to Australia.

Behind every citizenship ceremony is a story of courage, determination and hope. It reflects years of hard work, new beginnings and the opportunity to build a future while contributing to Australia's diverse and vibrant community.

At Absolute Immigration Group, we are honoured to have shared this journey with thousands of individuals and families over the past 25 years. Every citizenship milestone reminds us why we do what we do, because changing people’s lives is about helping them find a place where they truly belong.

Today, we celebrate Australia's newest citizens and the unique stories, cultures and contributions that continue to strengthen our nation.

🧡 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

A new year is an opportunity to reflect on the journey behind us and embrace the possibilities ahead 🍎🍯

As Rosh Hashanah begins, we join our clients, colleagues and communities in celebrating the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, renewal and hope.

At Absolute Immigration Group, we are proud to celebrate the diversity of the people and cultures that make our communities stronger. Every tradition reminds us that our differences enrich us, while our shared values of kindness, respect and belonging bring us together.

To everyone celebrating, we wish you and your loved ones a year filled with peace, happiness, good health and new opportunities.

Shanah Tovah! May the year ahead be sweet, meaningful and filled with blessings ✨