Indians number two in skilled arrivals

Indo Asian News Service (IANS) reports that Indians were the second largest nationality of skilled migrants arriving in Australia during 2007-2008, under the temporary skilled migration program to meet the nation’s severe national shortages, especially in professional occupations and highly skilled jobs.

While almost a quarter of the workers came from the UK, India came in second at 14 percent followed by the Philippines (9%) and South Africa (6%).110,570 visas were granted under the temporary skilled migration program last year, a 27 per cent increase on the previous year.

Up to 81 per cent of class 457 visa holders were employed in professions and highly skilled jobs. Computing professionals, registered nurses, and business and information professionals were the top three listed occupations for temporary overseas workers.

The minimum salary levels for 457 visa holders will increase by 3.8 per cent, after remaining frozen for over two years.

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, emphasised that the program is not a cheap labour scheme.

"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," Evans said.

Many of those coming under the temporary skilled migration program choose to become permanent residents. Almost 25,000 people on 457 visas became permanent residents during 2007-08, up 30 per cent on the previous year.