| In the current scenario of global slowdown, the local | | | | from now on - |
| Australian citizens and residents have been suffering | | | | - The general skilled migrant programme would be |
| on account of high unemployment. Thus, a major | | | | continued but would be highly labor market specific. |
| initiative has been taken by the Australian government | | | | - The programme would now focus on the industry |
| regarding its policy on immigration. The permanent | | | | requirements. |
| general skilled migrant quota has been cut down by 14 | | | | - A candidate applying for immigration without a |
| percent so as to cater to the country's own shortage | | | | sponsor from an employer would be given priority only |
| for employment. This was expected by the | | | | if he comes under the categories mentioned in the |
| government, sooner or later. The 14% slash means | | | | Critical Skills List. |
| 18,500 less immigrants. Hence, the total immigrants | | | | - This form of focus would ensure quality and the right |
| come down to 1, 15,000. Along with this, certain | | | | skills that would help the Australian economy rise from |
| categories such as building and manufacturing trades | | | | the slowdown. |
| which includes carpenters, bricklayers, metal fitters, | | | | - To meet the urgent skill requirements, the applications |
| plumbers and so on have been removed from the | | | | of the employer sponsored permanent migrants would |
| Critical Skill List. This would mean less competition for | | | | be processed ahead of the others so as to ensure no |
| the local citizens for the already minimal employment | | | | loss in the economy. |
| opportunities. | | | | - Hence, emphasis is being given to those working on |
| However, the Australian government has ensured that | | | | the temporary visas and around 36,000 permanent |
| the industries and the employers can still open doors to | | | | visas could be granted this year. |
| skilled immigrants. This would now be determined by | | | | This is clearly an indicator of the current scenario in |
| the need for such professionals in specific industries | | | | Australia which is just an example of the outcome of |
| where it is not being able to be catered to by the | | | | the global meltdown in the developed nations. Having |
| locals. Such needs are reflected by occupations listed | | | | said so, the open list still encourages Engineering, |
| in the MODL and Critical Skills List. Since, the MODL | | | | Accounting, IT and Health professionals to apply and to |
| and Critical Skill set will be under constant review, | | | | take advantage of this opportunity as soon as |
| changes can always be done to reflect future | | | | possible. A seasoned immigration specialist will take |
| changes in the labor market. | | | | them through the critical assessment and the visa |
| The following points would be given due emphasis | | | | application stage. |