Key Points
- Australia removed Labour Market Testing for UAE nationals under subclass 482.
- Change follows recognition of CEPA as a qualifying international agreement.
- Employers benefit from reduced administrative requirements and faster onboarding.
- Sponsors must still confirm CEPA eligibility and meet other compliance rules.
Overview
Australia has implemented reforms under the Australia-UAE CEPA Labour Market Testing framework, eliminating the requirement for employers to conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) when sponsoring eligible United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals under the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The change took effect following legislation that recognizes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates as a qualifying international agreement under Australia’s migration framework.
By removing LMT obligations, the policy streamlines skilled migration processes, reduces administrative burdens for employers, and supports faster onboarding of UAE professionals. Employers no longer need to demonstrate unsuccessful recruitment efforts within Australia before sponsoring eligible UAE applicants, significantly shortening processing times.
The reform aligns with Australia’s broader strategy of leveraging trade and economic agreements to expand migration opportunities and attract high-demand talent. Similar exemptions have been granted under other free trade agreements, reflecting a consistent trend toward greater integration of migration policy and international trade frameworks.
Employers are reminded that while LMT has been removed, all other sponsorship obligations remain in place. Sponsors must verify CEPA eligibility for UAE nationals and ensure compliance with conditions related to salary, working conditions, and visa-specific requirements. For additional guidance, see Corporate Immigration Partners’ Australia insights.
Looking Ahead
Businesses recruiting UAE professionals should review CEPA criteria to confirm eligibility and take advantage of faster processing under the subclass 482 visa. As Australia continues expanding migration provisions through trade agreements, further exemptions may emerge for other partner countries. Monitoring government updates will help employers align workforce strategies with evolving migration frameworks.
