Skilled migration decisions raise concerns

Skilled migration decisions raise concerns

The recent decision to revoke the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL), announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon. Chris Evans has created a strong reaction both in Australia and around the world.

Public and media reaction has generally been positive, with a strong sense that the previous system had supported an unsustainable growth in private vocational enrolments. A comprehensive summary of the changes can be found on the DIAC website.

TDA cautiously backed the decision to revoke MODL but raised concerns over the timing of the announcement given a new Skilled Occupation List will not be in place for several months. Click here to view TDA’s media statement.

TDA also raised concerns over the focus on ‘high end’ applicants which may limit Australia’s ability to meet emerging skill demands in the trade and services areas. TDA will work closely with Skills Australia to establish a list which recognises these demands.

TDA reaffirmed its belief that a skilled migration program greatly benefits from international students studying in Australia before applying for permanent residency. It should be noted that of the 630,000 international students currently studying in Australia, only 60,000 of these successful apply for permanent residency each year. Read Stephen Connelly’s article in The Age.