MS23-000464 - Health And Character Policy Flexibility - Temporary Visa Applicants In Australia, Signed 13 September 2023 ​​​​​ ​ ​

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A ministerial submission from August 2023 recommends ceasing temporary visa health and character policy flexibility from November 1, 2023. The flexibility, approved in September 2022, streamlined visa processing for onshore applicants during the pandemic backlog. It reduced temporary visa applications on-hand in Australia from 251,000 (August 2022) to 41,998 (July 2023). During 2022-23, 1,327,370 visa applicants underwent immigration medical examinations—a 38% increase from the prior year, with 352,490 onshore applicants completing examinations. Of onshore applicants, 195,969 pursued permanent visas and 156,394 temporary visas. The submission recommends engaging health authorities on a Canadian-style health assessment model and exploring alternative medical service delivery models requiring new procurement and ongoing funding. The Minister requested additional briefing on recommendations regarding risks