Employer-sponsored
skilled migration levels are
surging even as the Federal Government makes cuts to
permanent residency numbers, a report shows.
One in five of Australia's 171,318 migrants during the
past financial year was sponsored by an employer.
The employer-sponsored intake - part of the
skilled
migration category - surged by 60 per cent to 38,026, a
level higher than initial plans for 37,080 places, a
recent Government migration program report said.
The Government introduced a critical skills list in
January, which gives priority to employer-sponsored
skilled migration. This sponsorship is predominantly
achieved through the 457 visa that enables employers to
seek out skilled people and professionals whose
qualifications and experience dovetail with their
specific needs.
"A properly targeted migration program will ensure we
have the right-sized and appropriately-skilled labour
force to meet Australia's needs now and into the future
as our economy grows and recovers," Immigration and
Citizenship Minister Chris Evans said.
Australia's overall
skilled migration stream made up
two-thirds of the migration intake during the past
financial year, with the remainder arriving through the
family stream.
But, owing to some trepidation triggered by the Global
Financial Crisis (GFC), the tally of 115,000
skilled
migration places was cut by 14 per cent in March 2009,
and fewer independent applicants were accepted. The
skilled migration intake for this financial year has
been trimmed to 108,000 places. It seems reasonable to
expect that, as Australia’s recovery from a recession
that was very shallow in stark contrast to some
countries, like the UK, USA and Ireland, accelerates
even more skilled immigrants will be urgently needed.
"The migration intake in the coming year reflects the
economic conditions while ensuring employers can gain
access to skilled professionals in industries still
experiencing skills shortages such as healthcare and
engineering," Senator Evans said.
The United Kingdom was Australia's largest source of
migrants during the past financial year, but its share
has fallen in recent years - from 21.2 per cent in
2006/07 to 17.9 percent in 2008/09.
India was Australia's second biggest source of
migration, followed by China, South Africa, the
Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
and the United States.
Across all
permanent skilled visa categories,
accountants, computing professionals and registered
nurses were the most successful applicants.
Given the speed and power of Australia’s resurgent
economy, intending
skilled migrants should consider applying soon, to
be in a favourable position when ‘the floodgates open’
again.
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