Australia’s Immigration policy is cornerstone to the economic growth and future success of the country. At a time when economic concerns engulf our attention one needs to consider the impact on this policy. What is known is that the Australian Government is proactive and the policy is dynamic and this means that changes can occur relatively quickly.
At present Australia is facing a significant skills shortage. The number of skilled migrants for 2008/09 is at an all time high and overall the forecast number of migrants for the period is 190300, up 20% over the previous year. However Prime Minister Rudd has gone on record stating that advice would be sought where skilled workers are needed and that immigration is not a one-size-fits-all across the country.
Therefore as migration agents we urge our clients that if they qualify for a visa today that they do not procrastinate and they must lodge the application as soon as is practically possible, as they simply may not have that opportunity tomorrow.
Skilled migrants comprise the bulk of the program i.e. 133000 with South Africans comprising approximately 3.5% of permanent additions (Dec 2007). Permanent additions comprise of those persons who while already in Australia on a temporary basis are granted permanent residence status and those persons who arrive from overseas and are entitled to stay permanently in Australia.
Given that South Africans are willing to settle in Australia and the fact that they are held in fairly high regard in the work place, implies that they are a very attractive pool of talent. South Africans do however make active use of the temporary stream which allows them, once sponsored by an employer, to remain in Australia temporarily for up to four years. One point we believe that is not well communicated is the fact that this strategy of obtaining a temporary visa does not necessarily result in permanent residence. We therefore advocate that should an individual embark on this route that it is done so in conjunction with a well structured strategy for permanent residence. The process is stressful enough without having to put your family’s future at risk of being disrupted again should you fall out of favour with your employer, not to mention the cost and emotional upheaval of having to return.
As registered migration agents we see the full gambit of individuals planning a new future down-under and by the time someone approaches us they have inevitably made their mind up. We really act as a facilitator in the process and ensure that the minefield of regulations and legal criteria are handled in the correct order and manner. There is no doubt that Australia has a highly complex and legally technical visa system which requires applications to be carefully prepared in order to succeed. Up to 50% of those who apply for a visa fail, this is mainly because they are refused, apply under the wrong visa class or pull out. A registered migration agent will ensure that your case is presented in the best way possible.
It would be fair to say that the reputation of the Australian migration industry has fallen under some scrutiny in recent years, particularly in regard to unregistered offshore agents and there are many of these agents operating in South Africa. South African’s are generally ignorant to the fact that they may be dealing with and are often being poorly advised and exploited by an unregistered agent who is not subject to any regulatory control or censure. Using an unregistered agent denies you the protection and peace of mind that your agent has passed the required character tests, complies with the MARA code of conduct (www.themara.com.au) and possesses the necessary immigration law qualifications. You also need to be sure as to whether your registered migration agent is the one in fact giving you the advice and you have reasonable access to the agent or are you being advised by an unregistered employee based in South Africa.
In summary, we therefore urge you to have a well structured migration plan that does not naively ignore the permanent residence aspect of migration. Should you decide to use an agent you use an agent that is registered with The Mara; and finally, if you qualify for an Australian visa, act now because the landscape may change tomorrow.
By Andrew Heathcote - Registered Migration Agent MARN 0850850
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