Australia Passes Three New Migration Laws

On 7 November 2024, the Migration Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced.

Following a deal between the Albanese Government and the Dutton Opposition, the bills were passed on 28 November 2024. They underwent the standard parliamentary procedure, including member circulation, amendment consideration, and voting in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The three bills are derived from amendments to the Migration Act 1958:

Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024,
Migration Amendment Bill 2024, and;
Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2024

Despite their passage, concerns persisted regarding minimal scrutiny and potential travel bans impacts on around 80,000 non-citizens under the new laws.

Key Provisions of the New Laws

The new legislation allows the Australian government to pay third countries to accept non-citizens.
The laws empower authorities to impose prison sentences ranging from one to five years on individuals who refuse to cooperate with deportation efforts.
The legislation introduces broad powers to impose travel bans on entire countries.
The new laws allow immigration detention authorities to search detainees and confiscate personal items such as mobile phones.

“Third countries” refers to nations that are not the home country of the individuals in question, nor the country where they are seeking asylum or refuge.

Third countries are often involved when a government makes arrangements with them to accept non-citizens (such as refugees or migrants) who are trying to enter another country.

For example, if a person from Country A is trying to seek asylum in Country B, but instead, Country B has an agreement with Country C (a third country) to accept those individuals, then Country C is considered a third country in this scenario.

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For expert guidance and tailored support regarding the Migration Amendment Bill 2024, reach out to our qualified migration agents. You can fill out our booking form or call our Queensland office at (07) 5592 0755. Let us help you navigate the complexities of immigration law!