A big increase in migrants is expected to enter Australia through the permanent migration program
In 2023, the Australian government is making it easier for skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency. This is intended to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy and society. These changes to the visa system are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support a diverse and dynamic society, and to foster economic growth and innovation.
A significant increase in migrants is expected to enter Australia through the permanent migration program. The visa process for foreign workers will also be expedited in an effort to address the critical skills gap in the country. To encourage international students to remain in Australia, incentives have been put in place. The following is a summary of the major immigration changes announced in 2022 and what can be expected in the coming year.
The Albanese government has increased the annual permanent migration intake to 195,000 for the 2022-23 migration program, which allows for an additional 35,000 migrants to help address pressing skills shortages in the country and reduce reliance on temporary workers. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison government had capped the total intake at 160,000 per year. However, during the pandemic, migration declined, leading to a net loss of 600,000 temporary visa holders over the two-year period.
In September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision to increase the cap on permanent migration, stating that the country must learn from the lessons of the pandemic and adjust its migration mix. He emphasised the need to reduce reliance on temporary labor and address long-standing skills shortages in fields such as nursing, engineering, and culinary arts. The prime minister stated that it is not efficient to bring in new groups of workers to adapt to the Australian work environment every few years, rather than granting permanent residency to skilled individuals.
New South Wales, which has the highest number of allocations under the state-nominated program, recently decided to eliminate requirements related to work experience and minimum points scores for its skilled-nominated visa category
As a result of the lifting of the cap on permanent migration, the number of places available in the Skilled Stream has increased significantly, from 79,600 to 142,400. The regional category (subclass 491) is expected to have 34,000 permanent migrants, and the states and territories nominated category (subclass 190) will have 31,000 places, 20,000 more than the previous program year. Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil stated that these changes to the skilled stream will allow more qualified professionals to enter the workforce and help address pressing skills shortages, while also allowing migrants to build their lives and invest in their futures in Australia. The quota for the Business Innovation and Investment Visa program (subclass 188) has been reduced to 5,000, down from 13,500 last year. The number of places available in the Global Talent (Independent) category, a popular “fastest pathway to permanent residency,” has also been reduced to 5,000, making it more difficult for highly skilled individuals to secure a place in the program.
The Labor government has announced a comprehensive review of the migration system to ensure that it more effectively addresses current economic challenges and establishes a clear plan for the coming decades. In its submission to the federal government’s review, the Grattan Institute, a public policy think tank, suggested that the country needs to begin by reconsidering its goals for skilled migration.
➝ Priority processing for healthcare workers and teachers
Visas for healthcare workers and teachers are now being assessed within a few days after the government altered the way it prioritises skilled visa applications. On October 28, a new Ministerial Direction came into effect that abolished the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) and formalised the government’s processing priorities for the health and education sectors. According to a statement from the Department of Home Affairs spokesperson in December, “these applications are now being assessed in three days.”
➝ States relax occupation list
Nearly all states in Australia have relaxed their occupation lists and other criteria to attract applicants based on their skill needs. New South Wales, which has the highest number of allocations under the state-nominated program, recently decided to eliminate requirements related to work experience and minimum points scores for its skilled-nominated visa category. The state has also established an office in Mumbai, India to attract more migrants and international students, as well as promote investment and trade opportunities. Victoria, another state in Australia, has expanded its eligible list of occupations to address skill gaps and is allowing applicants living overseas, as well as those already living in the state, to apply for its visas.
➝ No ceiling for partner visas
A total of 52,500 places have been allocated to the Family Stream, primarily consisting of Partner visas, allowing Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with permanent migration pathways. It is estimated that the Partner visa category will deliver 40,500 visas, the processing of which will shift to a demand-driven model. This change is expected to help reduce the visa backlog and processing times for many applicants, some of whom have been waiting for years to be reunited with their partners. Processing times for Partner visa applications from certain countries, such as India, may take longer to be approved compared to those from European nations.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
In 2023, the Australian Govt 🇦🇺 is making it easier for #skilled #migrants to obtain #permanentresidency. This is intended to attract & retain talented individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy & society. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ZA3l7Sf2HT
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 31, 2022
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
