Author: Jessica Ross – Immigration Lawyer
Are you an employer who sponsors skilled workers? A significant legislative change is underway that may directly affect how your organisation manages their sponsorship obligations.
The Australian Government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which proposes the creation of a public register of approved work sponsors. This reform aims to increase transparency and oversight across the skilled migration program and may influence how businesses approach compliance, workforce planning, and reputational risk.
Proposed public register of approved work sponsors
The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 proposes the creation of a public register of approved business sponsors. These include standard business sponsors and accredited sponsors who nominate skilled workers.
This change comes as part of the Albanese Government allocating $30.1 million over four years from 2023–24 to improve the skilled visa system, including replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage visa with the new Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482).
The Department will undertake stakeholder engagement and public communication of the changes ahead of launching the register, noting that regulations are also required to be made to prescribe the information that may be included on the register before it is implemented.
What information will be published?
If passed, the Department of Home Affairs would publish the:
- name of the approved work sponsor
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- postcode
- number of individuals nominated
- occupations of the nominated workers
This register, which will be maintained on the website of the Department of Home Affairs, is claimed to promote transparency and worker mobility for temporary skilled migrant workers in Australia.
Why introduce a public register?
The aim is to:
- improve transparency in, and oversight of, the skilled migration system
- strengthen monitoring efforts to combat migrant exploitation
- help workers identify legitimate sponsors
- increase employer accountability
Depending on the sponsor, this visibility could enhance its reputation or increase scrutiny faced by the sponsor.
Status of the Bill
- introduced and first read on 6 November 2025
- second reading moved and agreed to in the Senate on 27 November 2025
- commences on proclamation or six months after Royal Assent
What these changes mean for employers
- sponsorship activity may soon be publicly visible, increasing both transparency and reputational considerations.
- strong compliance practices and routines will become even more important.
How AI Legal can help
AI Legal can assist businesses and individuals by:
- Explaining how the proposed sponsor register may affect employer obligations and visibility
- Reviewing your compliance processes to ensure you are prepared for public reporting
- Guiding you through any legislative impacts relevant to your workforce or migration goals
For tailored legal advice, contact Absolute Immigration Legal at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.