Upcoming Legislative Update: Public Register of Approved Work Sponsors – What Employers & Visa Applicants Need to Know

Australia’s migration landscape continues to evolve, with the Federal Government introducing new measures aimed at transparency and the prevention of migrant worker exploitation. One important development is the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which proposes significant changes affecting employers who sponsor skilled migrants—and the visa holders themselves.

As a registered Migration Agent, I want to make sure my clients and readers understand the key points, implications, and what to expect next.

What the Bill Proposes

The Bill aims to amend the Migration Act 1958 to allow the Department of Home Affairs to publish a public register of approved work sponsors, including:

• Name of the approved sponsor
• Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Business postcode
• Number of individuals nominated under that sponsorship
• Occupation(s) of nominated skilled workers

This applies to:

• Standard Business Sponsors (SBS)
• Accredited Sponsors

The register will be hosted on the Department of Home Affairs website and is intended to create stronger visibility and public accountability for businesses participating in the skilled visa program.

Purpose of the Register

The intention behind the register is to:

• Combat migrant worker exploitation
• Increase transparency in the employer-sponsored visa system
• Protect visa holders by allowing easier verification of an employer’s sponsor status
• Provide confidence to prospective skilled migrants that the sponsor is legitimate

It also supports integrity measures within the broader migration reform agenda.

Current Status of the Bill

The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025:

• Was introduced and read for the first time in the Senate on 27 November 2025
• Second reading was moved on the same date
• Is currently awaiting further debate and progression through Parliament

This means the Bill is not yet law, but it is moving through the legislative process.

What This Means for Businesses

If the Bill passes:

• Your business sponsorship details will become publicly visible.
• Compliance with sponsorship obligations becomes even more important.
• Any history of poor practices will be easier to scrutinise.
• New applicants and employees may view the register to assess the reputation of the business.

Sponsors should review:

• Record-keeping practices
• Recruitment processes
• Workplace policies
• Payroll integrity

This is the time to ensure everything is in full compliance.

What This Means for Skilled Visa Applicants

For visa applicants, this register provides:

• A verified source to check whether a business is legitimately approved
• Transparency about how active the employer is in sponsoring skilled workers
• Greater protection from potential fraudulent or exploitative operators

This will help skilled workers make informed decisions before engaging with an employer.

Final Thoughts

The proposed public register represents a strong step toward improving integrity, transparency, and worker protection within Australia’s skilled migration system. As a Migration Agent, I will continue monitoring the progress of this Bill and keep clients informed of any changes.

If you are a business sponsor or a skilled visa applicant and would like tailored advice on how this legislation may affect you, feel free to contact me for guidance.

From

Owlet Migration & Education Consulting