In follow up to previous statements, this week the Australian Government gave its most clear indication that it will soon look to boost immigration to make up for the lost years caused by the pandemic, and giving a sure signal that it will reboot mass immigration at the earliest opportunity.
The Government’s Interim Report of the Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program was released yesterday, and it effectively recommended opening the migrant floodgates via:
- Lowering costs and speeding up approval times for importing foreign workers.
- Expanding the skilled occupation list to include almost any role.
- Providing all ‘skilled’ visa holders with a clear pathway for transition to permanent residency.
It warns a lack of skilled migrants and near-record-low unemployment has resulted in major labour shortages, in areas including engineering and agricultural technology. It resolved that Australia must do more to remain competitive in its fight for global talent as the US, Canada and the UK moved to offer workers and students more generous residency pathways and work rights.
In announcing these recommendations Liberal MP Julian Leeser said the "pause" in the skilled migration program because of international border closures had provided the chance to have a "less constrained" view of the migration program.
A very notable point in the report was that it stated that “All employer-nominated visas should provide the option of a pathway to permanency,” - which effectively reverses changes made under former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2017 when his government narrowed the pathways to permanent residency for many occupations under the sponsored programme.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said skilled migration was critical to Australia’s pandemic recovery and he would be examining the recommendations closely.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the nation’s largest employer lobby, welcomed the committee’s recommendation to increase pathways to permanent residence.
What is clear, and as I have stressed many times before, is that immigration opportunities to Australia are going to increase and improve once the pandemic has properly subsided and if you are genuinely considering this option, now is the time to reach out, before the masses arrive and places are filled.
For a free assessment regarding your eligibility for a visa to Australia, send an email to david@pathwaylawyers.com
