Key Points
- Under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act, the Home Affairs Minister can now issue an "Arrival Control Determination" to pause the entry of entire classes of temporary visa holders for up to 12 months.
- This new law acts as a temporary "stop sign" for those outside the country; while your visa remains valid in the system, you may be denied boarding at the airport if your specific visa class is currently restricted.
- Refugee advocates and civil society groups have heavily criticized the amendment, arguing that it grants the government "extraordinary" power with minimal parliamentary oversight and could unfairly block people fleeing conflict zones from seeking safety.
In an interview with SBS Filipino, registered migration agent Michael Moeidjiantho advised the public not to panic and instead to stay informed about the new law.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only. For specific visa advice, people are urged to check with the Department of Home Affairs or contact a trustworthy solicitor or registered migration agent in Australia.
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