Debate over Australia’s Temporary Migration Intake
The size of Australia’s temporary migration intake has again become a topic of contention. Here’s what you need to know about recent debates in the media.
Temporary Migration Australia
In a recent policy speech, Opposition Home Affairs spokeswoman, Kristina Kenneally, emphasised that while changes to immigration policies have reduced the annual permanent migration intake, temporary migration figures continue to increase.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia is now home to the second largest temporary migrant workforce in the world and the number of people on temporary visas has jumped from 1.8 million to 2.2 million in the past four years.
In light of this, Ms Kenneally believes a growing number of temporary visa holders with limited access to permanent residence (PR) could increase risks of exploitation and social disengagement in the community.
Ms Kenneally argued that the availability of permanent migration needed to be reconsidered amid the rise in temporary migration. She said,
“This is about whether we want to stop people working in Australia from putting down roots, raising a family, starting a business, creating ties with their neighbours through sport, volunteering, church or community.”
The Senate Committee’s Review into Australia’s Temporary Migration
Australia’s temporary migration policies are currently being reviewed by a Senate Committee established on 5 December 2019 to ‘inquire into… the impact temporary migration has on the Australian economy, wages and jobs, social cohesion and workplace rights and conditions.’
Referring to the review, Abul Rizvi, a previous senior official in the Department of Immigration from the 1990’s to 2007, believes the Senate Committee should aim to ensure the temporary migration program provides sensible and clear pathways to PR for entrants who meet Australia’s needs.
It will be interesting to hear the Senate Committee’s policy recommendations and we will certainly keep you updated as the political debate continues.
To understand your permanent residence or visa sponsorship options, we encourage you to contact Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents at hello@immigracious.com.au or 08 6263 4406.
Source:
Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents
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