Perth may reduce its skilled migration intake
Perth businesses and prospective skilled visa holders may have one less work visa option available to them, according to Labor’s plans to remove Perth from a skilled migration program known as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
The Scheme was originally designed to help regional areas meet demand for occupations reflecting a shortage within the State. Perth is currently included under the Scheme as it is classified by the Immigration Department as ‘regional’, however State and National Labor leaders, Mark McGowan and Bill Shorten’s plan to exclude Perth from the Scheme.
Removing Perth from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme could mean anyone seeking to apply for a visa under the Scheme would need to consider working in a position outside of the Perth metropolitan area or seek alternative work visa options.
Mr Shorten also said changes to skilled migration programs were needed to reflect WA’s changing economy. “Perth’s inclusion in the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme reflected the huge demand for workers during the peak of the mining boom,” he said. “Those times have passed and it’s time it changed.”
A number of Australia’s skilled migration programs are currently being reviewed by the Government, making it more important to receive professional advice on your visa options as the legislation changes.
Read our post on the Government’s plans to tighten skilled migration programs such as the 457 visa, or to understand how changes to Perth’s skilled work visas may impact you, contact Immigracious at hello@immigracious.com.au
Source: The West Australian
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