The government's migration blueprint outlines several key actions to attract highly paid skilled workers while cracking down on migrant worker exploitation and integrity issues with international students.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
KEY CHANGES TO AUSTRALIA'S MIGRATION SYSTEM
* English language requirements increased for international students and graduates with $19m invested in the Home Affairs student visa integrity unit to place restrictions on visa hopping
* A new Skills in Demand visa along with three targeted pathways to attract temporary skilled migration and plug shortages
* Worker exploitation and abuse of the visa system will be addressed with new legislation to impose penalties on unscrupulous employers
* Regional visas will be processed at the highest priority to support development in those areas
* A new Talent and Innovation visa has been floated for migrants who can "drive growth in sectors of national importance"
* The migration system will be simplified by removing more than 20 unnecessary and duplicative visas, making it easier for migrants and employers
* A longer-term and evidence-based approach to addressing migration will be adopted to improve population planning
* Stronger ties will be established with Pacific nations by offering pathways to citizenship for New Zealanders and increased mobility with Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries
Australian Associated Press
