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Budget 2008-09 - Record skilled migration program to boost economy
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 The Rudd Government has moved to ease pressure on employers struggling with the skills shortage by adding an additional 31 000 skilled migrants to the 2008-09 Migration Program. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said on the 13th May, the extra places allocated to the permanent skilled migration program represented a 30 per cent increase on 2007-08 when the Howard government added just 5000 places. ‘The permanent skilled migration program is a capped scheme that has not been allowed to grow sufficiently in the past to respond to the skills shortages now faced by employers,’ Senator Evans said. ‘This record increase in the number of places in the permanent skilled migration program, since the introduction of managed migration in 1947, will help ease Australia’s skills shortage and help fight inflation.’ The increase is further to a special one-off allocation of 6000 extra skilled migration places announced by the Rudd Government in February 2008. Overall, permanent skilled migration will make up 133 500 places in the Migration Program, which totals 190 300 for 2008-09. The Family stream will be increased by 6500 places to 56 500. This increase in the Family stream includes a boost of 4000 places to the parent visas. ‘This significant increase of permanent skilled workers in 2008-09 will ensure a better balance in our skilled migration program overall,’ Senator Evans said. ‘Australia’s skilled migration program is structured to target skills to meet the needs of the job market by maximising the use of employer-sponsored migration.’ Research has shown that the labour market participation rate for permanent skilled migrants is now more than 90 per cent. ‘The program also works with state and territory governments to foster state-sponsored migration and uses the Migration Occupations in Demand List to get the right workers into the right jobs,’ Senator Evans said. The increase in the Migration Program from 2008-09 will cost an additional $1.4 billion over four years for settlement services and ongoing core government services such as health, education and employment services. The additional cost to the Budget will be more than offset by revenues from income tax, excise duty, GST and charges paid by the new migrants, estimated at some $2.9 billion over four years. The states and territories will be paid $1.0 billion in GST. The Rudd Government has also committed $19.6 million to improve the processing and compliance of the temporary skilled migration program, which includes the uncapped 457 visa scheme. ‘This is the first stage of a series of reforms aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the 457 program,’ Senator Evans said. ‘The Rudd Government is committed to ensuring the 457 visa scheme operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour while protecting the employment and training opportunities of Australians and the rights of overseas workers.’ Senator Evans said the use of 457 visas to employ temporary skilled migrant workers has grown rapidly in recent years. A total of 39 500 subclass 457 visas was granted in 2003-04 compared with 49 700 in just the first half of 2007-08. Senator Evans said the temporary skilled migration program is expected to exceed 100 000 places in each of 2007-08 and 2008-09. A working party led by Senator Evans and the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and including the Treasurer and Minister for Trade, will develop a longer-term reform package which will be considered as part of the 2009-10 Budget. The working party will consult with state and territory governments, industry and the unions as well as with industrial relations expert, Barbara Deegan. Ms Deegan is examining the temporary skilled migration program to address concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers, salary levels and English language requirements in order to improve the integrity of the scheme. Ms Deegan is due to present her report to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Deputy Prime Minister in October. Source: Press release, Senator Chris Evens, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. Minimum salary increase for skilled workers August 1st, 2008 The MSL increase for the ENS follows the recent announcement by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, of a similar increase to the MSL for the subclass 457 visa program. The ENS is a common pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who are working in Australia on a temporary basis, such as 457 visa holders. The MSL changes will ensure the program closely aligns with the 457 program and helps to maintain the integrity of Australia’s skilled migration programs. The standard MSL will increase to $43 440, while the MSL for ICT professionals will increase to $59 477. These increases will only apply to positions that are nominated under the ENS from August 1. Existing ENS visa holders, as well as employer nominations for positions lodged before August 1, will not be affected by the MSL increase. Source: www.immi.gov.au Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. Skilled foreign workers meeting shortage 22nd July, 2008 The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans on July 22nd released new data showing a 27 per cent increase in the temporary skilled migration (subclass 457 visa) program for 2007-08. Senator Evans said the increase in the subclass 457 visa grants highlighted the importance of the program in delivering skilled labour to employers across a wide range of professions and industries. In total, 110 570 visas were granted to temporary skilled workers and their dependents in 2007-08 compared to 87 310 in 2006-07. The number of primary visa holders jumped 24 per cent in 2007-08 to a record 58 050 compared to 46 680 in the 2006-07 program. The 2007-08 report on the subclass 457 visa program also reveals:
The subclass 457 visa enables employers to employ skilled overseas workers to fill nominated positions in Australia for a period of between three months and four years. Senator Evans said that the uncapped scheme is demand driven and proving vital to ease the national skills shortage at a time when the unemployment rate is low. However, the Minister added that the program is not a cheap labour scheme and the Rudd Government will not tolerate the exploitation of foreign workers. ‘Although incidents of migrant worker exploitation are the exception rather than the rule, the Government is moving to improve the protections in place to prevent exploitation of temporary skilled workers from overseas,’ Senator Evans said. ‘Minimum Salary Levels for subclass 457 visa holders will increase by 3.8 per cent from August 1 after remaining frozen for more than two years. Senator Evans said the 457 data for 2007-08 will be updated and made publicly available each month on the department’s website. Source: Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. Australia voted the top “must see” travel destination 12th July, 2008 63% of the 4,500 people surveyed from nine Asia Pacific countries and territories said that Australia was the place they most wanted to see. Tourism Australia welcomed the study released today by Visa International, which voted Australia as the top ‘must visit’ travel destination for people in key markets across the Asia Pacific. Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Geoff Buckley said, “The data gathered by Visa International is very encouraging for the Australian tourism industry. “This study confirms the widespread appeal of Australia as a travel destination and reflects Tourism Australia’s own research, conducted in surveys around the world, which highlights the desire many internationals feel to visit Australia. Our country is considered a dream destination by many global travellers and it is our continuing challenge to turn that desire into reality. Tourism Australia’s efforts are focused towards driving a sense of urgency in people to visit, motivating potential travellers to realise their travel aspirations, book a ticket and come and see Australia for themselves.“As November draws closer, excitement is brewing in the industry surrounding the launch of Baz Luhrmann’s Australia and the worldwide promotional opportunities this movie will bring. Tourism Australia’s international promotional campaign, publicised last week, is the first of what will be some exciting announcements over the coming weeks as we finalise our plans for the year ahead.” Source: Tourism Australia Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. TRADESMAN - Watch this space! TRA "Pathway D" likely to re-open 01 August 2008 The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) announced on 19th June 2008 that the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) have now responded to their lobbying re “Pathway D”. Although the exact nature of the new pathway has not yet been determined Bernie Waters, CEO of MIA, said that the MIA will be formally consulted in the coming days as DEEWR is aiming to introduce the new pathway on 1st August 2008. Bernie Waters said, “I will report to members after those consultations but I would be very surprised if the new arrangements continued to place heavy emphasis on evidence of skills based on employer references. I expect that the consultation will focus on practical issues around a new pathway that might give recognition to prior learning, formal qualifications, guild membership, trade licences, government or educational institutional recognition of skills, etc. The MIA will put forward suggestions about how trade skill recognition could be broadened so that Australia resumes accepting skilled trades people whose expertise is based on their experience. This will include suggesting that such applicants be given the option of demonstrating their skills through a skill-testing arrangement” This is exciting news as it means that there are potentially good prospects for a new pathway. We will keep you updated with further announcements. Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. An innovative South Australia Government marketing campaign to boost migration to the State has so far generated more than AU$1 million in media coverage. Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the campaign which uses slogans such as ‘Sod London House Prices. Hello Adelaide’ has generated significant interest in the United Kingdom. “The campaign’s cheeky approach has made it the topic of conversation in the UK as it tries to tap into the frustrations of London living by highlighting traffic and weather woes.” “Adelaide has been listed as the third most liveable city in the world with 300 days of sunshine a year and average winter temperatures of 16 degrees.” Source: Australian Outlook June, 2008 Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here.
26 May 2008 The latest publication of Immigration Update has shown a significant increase of 8.8 per cent in the number of permanent additions to Australia’s population between July and December 2007 compared with the corresponding period for 2006, a Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman announced on May 26th. ‘The 98 233 permanent additions comprise of 69 597 settler arrivals, plus 28 636 onshore grants,’ the spokesman said. The publication also shows that among the permanent additions, 76 865 were under the Migration Program. This was an increase of 9.6 per cent on the July to December 2006 figures. ‘From those permanent additions under the Migration Program, 50 903 were accounted for in the skill stream, 25 878 in the family stream and 84 under special eligibility,’ the spokesman added. ‘New South Wales was the most popular state once again, with 32 per cent of permanent additions intending to settle there.’ The, Immigration Update publication, which is published biannually, also noted that as at 31 December 2007, there were: · 222 942 overseas students present in Australia · 89 577 working holiday makers present in Australia · 104 791 holders of 457 visas present in Australia. All of these stock figures had increased from 31 December 2006. The number of permanent departures had increased by 8.5 per cent over the last 6 months of 2006, with the main destinations for intended residence being New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong. ‘The main occupation groups of those departing permanently were professionals, managers and administrators; and intermediate clerical, sales and service,’ the spokesman said. Long-term temporary arrivals and departures, who are those arriving or leaving for one year or more, increased by 12 and 13 per cent respectively. Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship - http://www.immi.gov.au Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. More Migrants now Using Agents The Emigrate Australia reader survey looked at various issues of the immigration process including demographics, family factors, motivations and the immigration process. Other significant trends for Australia include Western Australia taking out a clear victory as the preferred destination for UK migrants (followed by South Australia) and financial motivations rising in comparison to lifestyle and climate factors. Most respondents indicated that the WAITING was the most difficult part of the process. Therefore, there is a strong case for using an immigration consultant, who can help the applicant AVOID DELAYS and assist with QUICKER PROCESSING by presenting a 100% correct and complete application. Secondly, the application process and preparing paperwork was also perceived to be a difficult part of the process. Again, there is a strong case for IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS who can make the application process smoother and clearer and provide personalised assistance and representation in this bureaucratic process. The vast majority of readers indicated the more appealing lifestyle and safer place to bring up children, with climate being a major factor for emigration to Australia. If you would like to know if you meet these pass marks, we will work it out for you for FREE. Click here to complete a free initial immigration eligibility assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). Research by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements shows high levels of support for the immigration program, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said on the 23rd April, 2008. 'Maintaining a strong immigration program with integrity is critical to Australia's future,' Senator Evans said. 'It will help us meet the skills and labour shortages we are facing in an increasingly competitive and globalised world, as Australia's population ages. 'I find this research very encouraging - 69 per cent of those surveyed agree that immigration makes Australia stronger. It is also encouraging that the percentage of people who feel that immigration levels are too high now is half the rate reported 10 years ago.' The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, saw the research as painting a positive picture of Australia as a cohesive society. 'While not a reason for complacency, I find it encouraging that Australia, one of the world's most diverse nations, retains very high levels of social cohesion,' Mr Ferguson said. 'I note very positive findings in the report, such as 96 per cent of those surveyed feeling a strong sense of belonging and 94 per cent expressing pride in Australia. 'There is, of course, always work to be done. Many government, community and private sector programs contribute to social cohesion. The government is reviewing its multicultural policy and advisory arrangements to ensure we continue to make progress as a prosperous, cohesive and inclusive society. 'I look forward to consultations and discussions on the details of the research in the near future,' the parliamentary secretary added. The research report, Mapping social cohesion – the Scanlon Foundation surveys, was written by Professor Andrew Markus and Dr Arunachalam Dharmalingam (Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements) in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation. The research was funded by the Scanlon Foundation. Source: Minister for immigration and Citizenship, http://www.minister.immi.gov.au Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here. HIGH FAILURE RATE - Do not apply to immigration authorities directly or online YOURSELF - seek professional advice first Industry feedback has indicated that an estimated 30% of all applicants who lodge their application online and directly with the immigration authorities get it WRONG AND FAIL because they did not use a registered migration agent to compile and double check their application and immigration eligibility first. It is estimated that a further 20% of applicants who do not use an agent become confused and frustrated with the application process and find it difficult or impossible to get answers to their specific concerns or questions from the immigration authorities. As a result, they unnecessarily drop out of the application process. Overall, this equates to an estimated up to 50% FAILURE RATE for "do-it-yourself" applicants applying directly to the immigration authorities. This compares with a SUCCESS RATE OF 98.5% for applicants that apply through officially-recognised migration agencies such as the Migration Bureau. Grant King of the Migration Bureau, one of the largest international immigration agencies, commented that "We believe this failure and drop out rate is unacceptably high. Every day we receive many concerning phone calls from applicants who have tried to apply online or directly with the immigration authorities and have got it wrong. Many fail outright. They are generally very stressed and are frustrated by the delays and problems that this causes, not to mention left out of pocket. We are able to assist at this late stage, but it is more difficult and time-consuming to correct an incomplete or incorrect application. Additionally, it is difficult to go back to re-lodge or change an application after an original submission has already been made to the authorities. It is also more expensive". "We want to protect applicants from these risks and ensure that applicants secure the right of residence that they are entitled to in the quickest possible time. To do so, the key is for new settlers to use an officially -recognised agent BEFORE applying and to instruct the agent to compile, double-check and lodge your online or physical residence visa application on your behalf - this will avoid unnecessary delays and risk, and means that you will receive your visas as soon as possible, and not be one of the thousands of applicants who are unnecessarily refused every year. So the moral of the story is to get it right the first time" said Mr King. For a FREE assessment of your eligibility to lodge a residence visa application, please Click here. Back to top
Australia Pass Mark Watch – current points-tested visa pass mark update The current points tested Skilled Independent Class visas are the most popular type of visa for migrants. For you to migrate under this class you will have to satisfy certain conditions and meet the pass and pool marks.  |
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