
CEPA Amendment 2025: Labour Market Testing Exemptions for UAE Skilled Workers
The CEPA Migration Amendment is the latest example of how Australia’s migration law continues to evolve in line with international trade agreements. A major update in 2025 highlights how economic partnerships, such as CEPA, influence skilled migration policy. The Migration (International Trade Obligations Relating to Labour Market Testing) Amendment (CEPA) Determination 2025 recognises the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with major implications for labour market testing (LMT) requirements. This article explains what the amendment means, why CEPA matters, and how it affects both employers and skilled migrants. What is Labour Market Testing