Immigration visa changes won by Australian skilled labourers

According to Australia Network News, the Australian government has created a new policy which will allow skilled migrants to more easily become permanent residents of Australia. Chris Bowen, Immigration Minister, says the reform will simplify the immigration process for those holding 457 visas which grant temporary job rights, allowing skilled migrants to request permanent employer-sponsored visa schemes.

Starting from July 2012, foreign workers under the 457 category will not be required to have a second English and skills test to become qualified for residency. However, the reforms will tighten the official process for those applying for permanent visas but have not already worked in Australia.

Mr Bowen stated that skilled migrants seeking direct entry into Australia would first have to pass a basic English test, adding that many people will be working in regional Australia, where access to English training may not be as easy as it is in bigger cities.

The government is also planning to replace the six current employer-sponsored permanent visa programmes with two more simplified categories, said Mr Bowen. He added that the changes would help manage the critical skills shortages in certain industries.

Gary Brack, CEO of Australian Federation of Employers and Industries, said that the new streamlined process may alleviate labour shortages in certain sectors. He said the speed at which employers can hire new workers to fill labour shortfalls was key.