Australian immigration numbers set to increase

Australian immigration numbers set to increase

Job summit to be used as a push for more overseas workers

Australian businesses are struggling to fill shortages in the local labour market and are having to make tough commercial decisions. These labour shortages are leading to a decrease in business and consumer confidence.

In response, the Australian government is hosting a Jobs Summit where it is expected that a further 40,000 visas will be made available to help struggling Australian businesses fill these labour shortages and expedite their rebound following years of border closures.

The Jobs Summit is an opportunity to reset Australia’s skills and migration systems to meet the needs of workers, employers, and the challenges ahead for our country. Indeed, the Jobs and Skills Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, and government, to address our shared economic challenges.

Among other critical talking points, the Summit and subsequent changes will focus on:

·       Keeping unemployment low, boosting productivity and incomes.

·       Delivering secure, well-paid jobs and strong, sustainable wages growth.

·       Addressing skills shortages and getting our skills mix right over the long term.

·       Improving migration settings to support higher productivity and wages.

·       Maximising jobs and opportunities from renewable energy, tackling climate change, the digital economy, and the care economy.

·       Ensuring women have equal opportunities and equal pay.

What does this mean for Australian employers and how quickly can we expect to see any changes?

 Australian employers should feel confident in employing and sponsoring overseas workers in the coming months and years.

 The current government is demonstrating a strong commitment to rebuilding Australia’s economy and global standing as a prime business and employment destination for highly skilled workers.

Australia’s new government has shown that it is proactive and quick to respond in real-time to the challenges being faced by Australian businesses.

While it is difficult to predict what the exact nature of the changes will look like, it is certain that each skilled worker will require a visa to allow them to enter Australia and take part in rebuilding the economy.

What visa options are available?

Australia’s immigration scheme is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with a range of visas designed to suit all business and leisure needs.

The most appropriate visa to apply for will be dependent on a range of factors, including:

1.       The activities to be undertaken in Australia.

2.       Whether the candidate is needed on a short, medium, or permanent basis.

3.       The skills and experience of the candidate.

To avoid unnecessary delays or costly mistakes, we recommend contacting Integrate Legal so that we can provide expert advice on the most pragmatic and cost effect visa solution to meet the needs of both the business and overseas worker.

Other news – South Australian visa opportunities

South Australia (SA) is now officially open to all interstate and overseas travellers. It is now possible to move to and travel around most of South Australia.

There are currently 2 visa options for skilled migrants that provide pathways to permanent residence. These are:

1.       Skilled Work Regional (provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)- this allows you to live and work in SA for up to 5 years; and

2.       Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)- this is the permanent visa that allows you to live in SA permanently.

South Australia has just announced the opening of the 2022-2023 Skilled & Business Migration Program, which provides a pathway for migrants to live, work or establish their business in South Australia.

The best news? The list for this year is extensive, meaning that successful applicants will receive a successful State Nomination and be able to live and work in the sunny and beautiful landscapes of Australia.

To determine whether a South Australian state nomination could be in your future, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be pleased to assist in advising on possible visa options.

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