Australian Immigration Plans – Post Election 2019
The 2019 Federal Election has passed and we now have a clearer view of Australia’s immigration policy directions over the next three-year Government term. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison will continue to lead the Australian Government with a focus on regional migration initiatives, a lowered annual migration rate, greater availability of migrant support programs and an increased budget for ‘congestion-busting’ and infrastructure upgrades in capital cities, as detailed in the party’s election promises.
Annual permanent migration intake to be sustained at 160,000 people | Immigration Australia
In March 2019, the Government announced it would formally reduce the annual number of permanent residence visas in Australia by 30,000 places to bring planning levels close to actual levels of intake. The nation’s cap of 160,000 people migrating permanently to Australia will now be sustained over the next four years as per Australia’s Population Policy. Here are our insights into the way Australia’s permanent migration intake will be managed:
-The permanent migration ratio will remain at 70 per cent for skilled visas and 30 per cent for family visas in 2019/20.
-State/Territory nominated places in 2019/20 will likely increase with the introduction of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. A portion of the 14,000 placements allocated for the Independent Skilled category will become available for the State/Territory nominated stream.
-A greater proportion of migrants will be able to migrate through employer sponsorship pathways. Although the 2019/20 figures for a non-regional employer-sponsored visa have reduced by 5,528 compared to 2017/18, the new Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) Visa will add an extra 9,000 placements for employer sponsorship in regional areas.
-The new Global Talent independent program will provide 5000 permanent residence placements.
*The Department of Home Affairs’ 2018-19 statistics are not yet available.
Greater incentives to live outside capital cities | Immigration Australia
Migrants will be encouraged to settle in regional areas that require certain skills and expertise. The Government plans to achieve this through the below initiatives:
– Two new regional visas from November 2019, which will provide a pathway to permanent residence after a three-year period. These visas will also have access to priority visa processing.
-Greater flexibility to migrate under a larger pool of occupations compared to non-regional skilled visas.
-Fast-tracked negotiations for Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA’s), which will allow businesses to sponsor overseas workers under specific occupations that are needed in regional areas.
-The ability to claim extra points to qualify for a points-tested permanent residence visa for living and working regionally.
-A broadened classification of ‘Regional Australia’ to include all areas of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane/Gold Coast and Perth. This will allow migrants to have more choice in the regional areas they choose to live and work.
-A more flexible Working Holiday Maker program. Changes will allow eligible migrants to stay for an extra year in regional areas and visa holders from an expanded number of countries will become eligible.
-Opportunities to study in regional areas of Australia through scholarships and an extra year on a post-study graduate visa.
A focus on delivering migrant support programs | Immigration Australia
The Government promised it would enhance programs which facilitate cultural integration among migrant communities including:
-Programs to help migrants with school aged children, employment pathways and to provide dedicated support for migrant women and youth groups.
-Sporting, language and digital programs to help migrants integrate into the Australian way of life.
-Various local community initiatives to foster a mutual understanding of cultural differences and encourage respect for diversity in Australia.
A greater commitment to ‘congestion busting’ and infrastructure upgrades | Immigration Australia
The Government has significantly increased the Urban Congestion Fund from $1 billion to $4 billion, as well as infrastructure investment from $75 billion to $100 billion. Works will include:
-Public transport builds and upgrades
-The creation of a Fast Rail to regional centres
-Commuter car park upgrades
-Road upgrades
Immigration Australia | How Immigracious can assist you
Immigracious would be happy to advise of your Australian visa options. Simply contact our team of registered migration agents on 08 6263 4406 or hello@immigracious.com.au
Click here to view updates to the information in this article.
Source:
Liberal Plan for Population, Migration and Better Cities
Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents – MARN 0533879
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