MIGRATION PROGRAM TARGETING SKILLS - MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP Media release

27 October 2010

Australia’s migration program continues to target the skills Australia needs for a healthy economy, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.

Launching the Report on Migration Program 2009-10, Mr Bowen said the Government’s targeted approach to overseas workers was helping to fill critical skills gaps in the healthcare, engineering, financial services and IT sectors.

More than 60 per cent of the skill stream outcome comprised applicants under the targeted categories, including those who were sponsored by either an employer or state/territory government – a 12 per cent increase on the previous program year.

The total outcome for the 2009-10 migration program was 168,623 places (0.05 per cent below the planning level). The 2009-10 skill stream outcome of 107,868 places accounted for 64 per cent of the total migration program.

The skilled program planning level was reduced in the 2009-10 Budget to 108,100 in response to the continued economic slowdown through most of 2009.

Despite this, the proportion of overseas workers who were sponsored by employers continued to rise, comprising 38 per cent of the 2009-10 skill stream, compared to 33 per cent in 2008-09 and 22 per cent in the 2007-08 program year.

“This outcome is consistent with the Government’s focus on high-demand, employer-sponsored professionals in areas where Australia has critical skill shortages,” Mr Bowen said.

“The program met the Government's objective of sharpening the focus on skilled migration and targeting the needs of Australian industries and employers.”

The migration program showed that across all permanent skilled visa categories, the top three  occupations were accountants (6,734), computing professionals (5,370) and registered nurses (3,960) while the top three countries of citizenship for these categories were the United Kingdom (18,487), India (18,042) and China (14,505).

The Government announced in the 2010-11 Budget that the overall level of skilled migration would increase by 5,750 places to further address Australia’s needs as the economic climate improves. This will increase the proportion of skilled migrants to 67.5 per cent of the migration program.

The top three countries of citizenship under the family stream were China (10,218), the United Kingdom (7,229) and India (5,103). Overall, the United Kingdom remains Australia’s largest source of migrants with a total outcome of 25,738 or 15 per cent of the total migration program in 2009-10, with China (24,768) and India (23,164) following closely behind.

The Report on Migration Program 2009-10 is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Website at www.immi.gov.au/media/statistics/statistical-info/visa-grants/

The Minister also revealed that refugees from Burma, Iraq and Bhutan are among the 13,770 vulnerable people starting a new life in Australia through the 2009–10 humanitarian program. The planning level was 13,750 places.

The figures reveal that of these 13,770 people, Burma has 1,959 humanitarian visa grants, Iraq 1,688 and Bhutan 1,144. “These refugees had fled violence and persecution in their home countries,” Mr Bowen said.

“Many had been living in volatile and insecure situations, both in camps and other  environments. “As a responsible member of the international community, Australia contributes to the system of international refugee protection. This is something of which we in Australia can all be proud as we have provided refuge and hope for 13,770 people.”

Chris Bowen is Australia's new Minister of Immigration

Chris Bowen is Australia's new Minister of Immigration. Chris Bowen replaces
former Minister of Immigration Chris Evans, who is now responsible for the
department of Jobs, Skills and Workplace Relations. What does this mean for
potential migrants. Bowen has admitted to being 'taken aback' by his new
appointment. The Asylum Seekers debate was certainly not handled very well
as part of the election campaign. Bowen has already said that the way
refugees are handled is his first priority. For Skilled Australian visa
applicants, there may be questions how the growing backlog of applications
in the system will be approached, as well as how the State Migration Plans
are brought on stream. The timing by some states namely ACT and Victoria is
that October is a possible date for implementation - time will tell!!

The Australian Government is hosting an employment expo in London to assist companies find skills from the UK

The DIAC Australian Skilled Visa expo planned for September will enable company representatives from a number of major Australian employers as well as representatives from State/Territory governments who intend on attract skilled workers to their State and or Company.  The last expo DIAC hosted was in 2009 and some 1800 people attended. Despite cut backs to the Skilled Occupation List there is a fundamental shortage of skilled employees across many industries. This expo in is to target those industries most in need such as building & constructions, the resource sector and the medical sector. Key occupations being sought are tradesmen, healthcare workers and various types of engineers.

 

Attendees will be able to gather information and research various aspects related to their migration as well possible career pathways. and featured 38 exhibitors including Australian employers, government organisations and relocation service providers.

 

Previous expo have been very successful for all exhibitors who are get great exposure to many high quality candidates. Surveys have shown attendees find expos as a useful resources and recommend then to others. The Skills Australia Needs expo will be held in London on September 11 and 12. See our face book page for more info

 

Overseas students inflate migration bubble (TheAustralian Article)

The Australian - Overseas students inflate migration bubble
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/overseas-students-inflate-migration-bubble/story-e6frg6nf-1225898702323

A SERIOUS political headache looms for the next federal government over what to do with up to 200,000 international students.

Set up your bank accounts before arriving in Australia with NAB Migrant Banking

Planning to live, work, study or set-up a business in Australia, New Zealand of the UK?

The National Australia Bank group can help you set-up your banking needs in your chosen country before you leave home.

When it comes to assessing the implications of a move overseas our dedicated team of international banking experts can help you with the appropriate advice and strategies for your individual circumstances. 

Well before you depart we can help you:

• Set-up a bank account in Australia, New Zealand or the UK before you arrive.
• Arrange foreign exchange solutions to suit your personal, business and investment needs.
• Provide you with a dedicated migrant banker aligned to your individual needs (Personal, Private and Business Banking as well as Wealth Management)

If you are not yet located in your chosen country you can use the following information and our online application forms to open bank accounts in Australia, New Zealand or the UK before you arrive.

To find out more visit www.nabgroup.com/migrantbanking or contact Migrate2oz

Queenslands State Migration Plan

A Queensland State-sponsored and State regional-sponsored Migration Plan has been developed, and will be put in place subject to agreement with the Australian Government.  Until the Plan is in place, Queensland may continue to nominate suitable applicants with an occupation on the current Queensland Eligible Skills Lists as long as the occupation is also on the Australian Government's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

 

ACT - Sponsorship for offshore applications target date 1 August 2010

ACT are planning to publish the 2010 / 11 skills list on 1 August.  The announcement  of ACT’s State Migration Plan has also been delayed and they are now working to a 1 August start date.