Budget
2010–2011
Government
sharpens focus of skilled migration program
The
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said on Tuesday
11th May 2010. The Government will sharpen the focus of the skilled
migration program on areas of skills shortage but will maintain the current
overall size of the migration program. The overall size of the migration
program will remain unchanged with a total of 168 700 places, comprising a total
skill stream of 113 850 places, a total family stream of 54 550 places and 300
special eligibility places.
The
overall level of skilled migration will increase by 5750 program places. This
includes an additional 9150 program places for employer-sponsored skilled
migration and a decrease of 3600 places for general skilled migration. An
additional 200 visas in the business skills visa category will also be offered.
There
will be a reduction in the level of family migration by 5750 program places.
Family migration visas will continue to be granted and family members can gain
access to temporary visas to travel to Australia to visit family
members.
Sincerely Yours
Shahbaz
CHATTHA
Registered Migration Advisor