AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Increased intake for skilled workers

Friday, 11 May 2007

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have released details of the 2007-08 Migration Programme intake with a planning level set at 152,800 places.

The changes were announced on Tuesday 8th of May and include an additional 5000 places to the Skilled Migration Stream for skilled workers, increasing the total to 102,500.

The family stream will be maintained at the 2006-07 level of 50,000 places. According to a recent Government Media Release, with many young skilled professionals travelling internationally and developing relationships, the increased mobility of young professionals has created a higher demand for partner visas.

Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said that this level will strengthen the Australian economy and maintain a strong cohesive community.

DIAC will also receive additional funding of $359 million in the 2007-08 Budget to help meet the labour force needs of Australia’s economy.

$123.6 million of the funds will be committed over five years to deliver the Australian Government’s new citizenship test.

The test which will be introduced in 2007 will ensure new Australian citizens are committed to Australia’s values and way of life and will play a key part in maintaining Australia's national identity.

The citizenship test will require applicants for citizenship to have an understanding of the values, traditions, institutions and history of the Australian nation.

$85.3 million will be committed over the next four years to maintain the integrity of Australia's temporary skilled migration programme (Subclass 457). Employers found to be in breach of the sponsorship conditions will face severe penalties.

The Australian Government will also put in place formal arrangements for the fast-tracking of applications from those employers who have a strong and demonstrated record of complying with the 457 visa programme.

Due to a strong economy and unemployment at a 30 year low, some Australian industries are experiencing a temporary shortage of skilled workers and looking to the 457 visa for a solution.

This year’s migration programme and budget announcements maintain the Australian Government’s focus of keeping the economy strong by keeping pace with the demand for skilled labour and ensuring Australia boasts a cohesive integrated community.