AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

No Reduction in Skilled Migrants for 2009

Friday, 19 December 2008

Immigration Minister Chris Evans has announced that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will not reduce the number of skilled migrant visas for the 2009 programme.

This comes as good news as there was increasing concerns that a cut would severely impact on Australia’s economic situation, and would stagnate the economy at a time where it needs to be pushed.

The cap of 133,500 skilled migrants will remain for the 2009 year, although the option to cut the programme will stay on the table.

Changes to the programme include permanent migrants with a job offer and those whose skills are critically needed will be given priority entry into Australia. This will eliminate the current supply-driven system that the programme operates on, and will put more emphasis to a more demand-driven system where occupations that are on the critical shortage list will be given priority processing.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Peter Anderson welcomed the changes and stated:

"It reflects a sense of realism about the skills needs of Australian industry being supplemented by a targeted migration programme".

The programme will prioritise more on medical, IT, engineering and constructions skills, which will be applauded by business.

If you are interested in Visas to Australia, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.