Author: Mandeep Kaur Wratch- Migration Strategist
A shift toward public visibility in employer sponsorship
Australia’s employer-sponsored migration framework is set to become more transparent following the passage of the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026 (Cth).
The legislation introduces a mechanism allowing the Department of Home Affairs to publish details of approved work sponsors. While limited in scope, the change reflects a broader move toward making sponsorship activity more accessible within the migration system. The Bill passed Parliament on 1 April 2026 after being introduced in November 2025 and will commence on a date set by proclamation, or within six months of Royal Assent.
What the approved work sponsor register will include
The register will enable the publication of selected information about businesses sponsoring overseas workers.
The types of details that may be published include:
- The sponsor’s business name
- Their Australian Business Number (ABN)
- The kind of approved work sponsor
- Location information linked to the ABN, such as postcode
- Number of nominations made
- The occupations associated with those nominations
Further regulations are expected to clarify how this information will be presented and whether any limitations will apply. Personal identifier data, such as biometrics, is expressly prohibited however, where a sponsor operates as a sole trader, publication of the sponsor’s business details may result in the individual’s name being visible.
Which sponsors may be included
Approved work sponsors currently include standard business sponsors, temporary activities sponsors, and entities operating under labour agreements.
While the initial scope has not yet been confirmed, the register is expected, based on current indications, to commence with standard business sponsors, particularly those lodging nominations under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) programs (subclass 494) programs.
How the register is expected to be used
The register is intended to provide practical value for overseas workers navigating employer-sponsored pathways.
It may assist individuals in confirming whether a business is an approved sponsor, as well as identifying organisations that actively nominate overseas workers. If occupation data is searchable, the register could also support more targeted job-seeking aligned with sponsorship opportunities.
Next steps and Implementation timeline
The Approved Work Sponsor Register is expected to be introduced within six months of Royal Assent, subject to further regulatory detail.
Key aspects still to be clarified include:
- The categories of sponsors included in the initial release
- The level of detail made publicly accessible
Whether the register will support search or filtering function
What this means for employers
The introduction of a public register marks a shift in how employer sponsorship is presented within Australia’s migration system. Increased transparency will support informed decision-making for overseas workers while placing greater visibility on employer sponsorship activity.
For businesses, this reinforces the need for compliant, well-documented, and strategically aligned sponsorship practices. Public access to sponsorship data may also influence how organisations are perceived by regulators and prospective employees.
How Absolute Immigration can support your business
As transparency increases, having a clear and compliant sponsorship strategy becomes critical. Absolute Immigration supports employers in navigating these changes by aligning sponsorship frameworks, nomination practices, and workforce planning with current requirements. Our team of expert immigration strategists provide structured guidance across sponsorship eligibility, nomination management, and occupation alignment to support compliance and workforce outcomes.
If your organisation is sponsoring workers or considering employer-sponsored visa pathways, it is important to understand how these changes may impact your approach. For tailored advice on employer sponsorship and immigration strategy, contact Absolute Immigration at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
