Changes to Skilled Migration Program Boost Range of Skilled Workers in Australia
Changes to Australia's skilled migration program will give Australian industry access to a greater range of skilled workers, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Senator Amanda Vanstone and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Kevin Andrews said today.
People who want to come to Australia as skilled migrants must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL), which now includes a number of agricultural occupations.
'The SOL now includes environmental research scientists, foresters, park rangers, soil scientists, agricultural scientists and agricultural advisers,' Mr Andrews said.
'Also, the more specific Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL), which gives skilled migrants bonus points under points-tested visa categories, has been extended to include accountants and a number of traditional trade occupations which have been in short supply in many places across the country.
'The MODL will continue to provide streamlined migration to address shortages of medical practitioners, medical specialists, registered nurses and allied health professionals, particularly in regional Australia.'
The MODL now contains 28 occupations across a range of skill levels and industries. This compares to 14 occupations in February 2003, 15 occupations in February 2002 and 22 occupations in February 2001.
'Extending the MODL and the SOL will boost economic growth and job opportunities in regional Australia,' Senator Vanstone said.
She said people can also receive extra points if they have a job offer in their nominated occupation from an organisation that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the 24 months just before they lodge an application.
