Officials say there will be no additional changes to occupation list

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Australian Government has announced it will not make additional changes to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) at this time, saying that it has “prioritised continuity” after the list was significantly altered in April and July of 2017.

What does the change mean? Employers should continue to use the current MLTSSL, as amended in July, when determining what occupations can be filled by foreign nationals under the Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa, the Training (Subclass 407) visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visa programmes.

• Implementation timeframe: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary Work (Skilled) visas (Subclass 457), Training (Subclass 407) visas, Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186) visas, and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visas.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for any of the visas listed above.
• Business impact: Sponsors can continue using the MLTSSL as they have for the last six months.

Background: The MLTSSL and STSOL replaced the Skilled Occupation and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation lists in April, when 216 occupations were removed from the set of occupations eligible to be filled by foreign nationals under certain skilled visa programmes. In July, more than 30 occupations were added to the lists. Others moved between the two lists, and 12 were removed altogether. Officials indicated at the time that the occupation lists would be regularly reviewed, with a view to supporting the changing needs of Australian industry and Australian workers. In November, The Department published a traffic light bulletin indicating that no changes would be made to the MLTSSL. The Department also proposed removing four occupations from the STSOL and adding five new occupations to the list. Officials have since confirmed there will be no changes made to the MLTSSL. BAL is working to confirm whether any changes will be made to the STSOL.

BAL Analysis: The decision not to make additional changes to the MLTSSL will allow companies to continue using the MLTSSL as they have for the past six months. BAL will alert clients to any changes to the STSOL should they be announced.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 0534021

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