For many years now, skilled migration has relied on occupation lists to determine where skills shortages lie.
While these lists seem pretty straightforward, they’re not really reflective of current labour issues. These lists are based on occupations rather than jobs which is a very black and white view of an issue that has many shades of grey.
The National Skills Commission recently conducted its first national assessment of the Priority Skills List, determining the potential future demand of the nearly 800 occupations listed.
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was first announced in September 2020. It was developed along with the National Skills Commission to ensure a small number of critical occupations are filled to aid Australia’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
When it comes to the Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa, 112 of the occupations listed have caveats attached which may affect some applicants. A caveat is a condition or additional requirement applied to a particular occupation. This occurs when an occupation is broad or difficult to define.
With a federal election not too far away, political parties are now making an effort to secure votes in the lead up to the election. The federal government in the last few days released a number of changes pertaining to the conditions of employment and the occupation lists that determine where migrants may have to locate in Australia in order to work in their chosen profession.
Anyone who’s thought about entering Australia as a skilled migrant will be aware of the points system which exists. The purpose of the so called ‘points test’ is to ensure that skilled migrants who can offer real economic benefit to this country are granted visas to fill labour shortages.
It’s widely expected that the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton may announce drastic measures next month, to curb the amount of people coming into Australia on the Working 457 program.
He made it clear last year that he would be reducing the list of eligible occupations to encourage more employment opportunities for Australians. Within the last few weeks, it’s believed that he has met with the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration who were offering guidance and over this subject.
Over the past two years, a tightening of the economy has meant that employers have been able to take their pick from home grown talent rather than sponsor an oversea candidate.
But there are still certain roles or types of industries which are in demand in Australia. Companies are still recruiting workers on the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) which is commonly known as just a 457 visa.
One of the most popular routes into Australia is via a sponsored 457 visa. This Temporary Work visa aims to address genuine skills shortages in the Australian labour market by bringing people from overseas who have skills which are in demand.
But employers using the 457 program, must become approved business sponsors and abide by certain obligations set out by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
There are penalties for not complying with the regulations. Visa Solutions Australia can guide employers through the sponsorship approval process and advise them of their obligations as a 457 sponsor.
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