The Australian Government has announced a major step towards increasing transparency and reducing the risk of worker exploitation within employer-sponsored visa programs. A new Approved Work Sponsor Register is proposed under the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which will publicly list businesses that sponsor skilled workers.
This update could influence employers, skilled visa applicants, HR teams, and anyone working with employer-sponsored pathways.
At Growmore Immigration, we ensure our clients stay ahead of policy changes. Here’s what this development could mean for you — and how to prepare effectively.
Key Points at a Glance
- A publicly accessible register of approved work sponsors is proposed.
- Details such as business name, ABN, postcode, and occupations being sponsored will be made available.
- The initiative aims to enhance accountability and safeguard migrant workers.
- The Bill was introduced on 6 November 2025, with commencement expected up to six months after Royal Assent.
What Is the Approved Work Sponsor Register?
Under the proposed legislation, the Department of Home Affairs will maintain a national register of businesses that have been approved to sponsor skilled workers. This includes:
- Standard Business Sponsors (SBS)
- Accredited Sponsors
The register will be published on the Department’s website to provide greater visibility into employer-sponsored migration activity across the country.
Information expected to be published
If the Bill becomes law, the register will display:
- The business name
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Business postcode
- Number of skilled workers nominated
- Occupations being sponsored
Importantly, no personal information about visa applicants will be shared.
Why Has This Been Proposed?
The Government’s objective is to strengthen integrity across employer-sponsored programs such as the Skills in Demand (SiD) Visa, Subclass 186 (ENS), and Subclass 494 visas.
The register aims to:
- Improve public accountability for sponsoring employers
- Highlight occupational and regional trends
- Support efforts to combat migrant exploitation
- Encourage stronger compliance with sponsorship obligations
These reforms align with the broader strategy to promote a safer and more transparent migration system.
When Will This Begin?
The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 6 November 2025. If passed, it will commence:
- On a date declared by the Government, or
- Automatically six months after Royal Assent
Updates, explanatory documents, and the Bill’s progress are available through the Australian Parliament House website.
Implications for Employers
If your organisation sponsors skilled workers, your sponsorship activity may soon be publicly visible. This includes displaying your business name, ABN, and the occupations you have nominated.
Recommended steps for employers
- Review compliance with all sponsorship obligations
- Ensure record-keeping and reporting processes are current
- Consider how public visibility may impact your brand and hiring strategy
- Seek advice early if unsure about your obligations
Growmore Immigration assists businesses with SBS, nomination applications, and ongoing compliance to minimise risk and build strong recruitment pathways.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
For skilled workers and visa applicants, the register offers new benefits:
- A reliable way to identify genuine, active sponsoring employers
- Insight into which occupations are being sponsored
- Better understanding of where skilled opportunities exist across Australia
This visibility may assist migrants in making informed decisions when selecting employers or planning pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will every sponsor appear on the register?
Only approved SBS and Accredited Sponsors that have lodged nominations for skilled workers.
Will the names of visa applicants be published?
No. The register will list occupations and numbers of nominations, not individual names.
Is the register already active?
Not yet. It will commence only after the Bill passes Parliament and the relevant start date is set.
Will this affect small businesses?
Yes. Small and medium-sized employers will also be listed and will need to ensure strong compliance to avoid reputational and regulatory risks.
Stay Informed With Growmore Immigration
Growmore Immigration provides clear, compliant, and up-to-date guidance on all employer-sponsored programs — including Standard Business Sponsorship, Skills in Demand Visa pathways, and nomination requirements.
If you’re an employer or skilled worker and want tailored advice on how these changes may affect you, our team is ready to help.
📧 info@growmore.one
📞 +613 8764 3334
📱 WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021
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