AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Fewer Australian Skilled Migration Places Available Next Year

Thursday, 14 May 2009

The Australian Government has announced as part of the 2009-10 Budget, that there will be fewer skilled migration visas available in the next financial year.

In March, the Government cut the 2008-09 skilled migrant intake by 14 per cent, from 133 500 to 115 000. The latest budget shows another cut to 108 100 places, which represents an overall drop of around 20 per cent.

Despite this drop in numbers, Minister for Immigration Chris Evans remained positive on Australia's immigration, stating:

"The government remains committed to a strong migration programme but unemployment in Australia is expected to increase as the economy slows."

"The migration intake in the coming year reflects the economic climate while ensuring employers can gain access to skilled professionals in industries still experiencing skills shortages."

"The reduction is being achieved through a cutback in places for the general skilled category rather than in the high-demand employer-sponsored category or in areas in which Australia has critical skills shortages."

The changes to Australia's skilled migration program will take effect on July 1, 2009. Migration Expert is advising migrants who wish to apply under the skilled migration programme to proceed with their applications as soon as possible.

If you are interested in Visas to Australia, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.