SC482/494 LMT Exemptions for UAE Skilled Workers – Aug 2025
There have been recent updates to Australian migration law due to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Migration (International Trade Obligations Relating to Labour Market Testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 highlights the interaction between international trade agreements and migration policy, specifically impacting Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements.
What is Labour Market Testing (LMT)?
Labour Market Testing (LMT) requires Australian employers to demonstrate efforts to recruit local talent before sponsoring overseas workers. The core aims of LMT include:
Prioritising local employment opportunities
Maintaining fair and transparent hiring practices
However, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like CEPA often provide LMT exemptions to facilitate smoother cross-border mobility and cooperation.
Related:
What are the Key Changes Introduced by the CEPA Amendment?
The 2025 CEPA Amendment allows for LMT exemptions for UAE nationals for a more straightforward hiring process for eligible employers.
The CEPA changes commence on 26 August 2025 and offer benefits to employers and skilled migrants by removing LMT requirements for specified roles and visa subclasses, such as the Skill in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494).
Related:
Income Thresholds and Labour Market Testing (LMT) Changes from 1 July 2025
Is Your Company at Risk of Adverse Information for a Nomination Application?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
At Agape Henry Crux, consider speaking with one of our immigration lawyers for any employer-sponsored work visa-related matters. The team works closely together with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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