International Students and Temp Residents Boost Australia’s Workforce

Australia’s Migration System: Supporting Skilled Workers

A recent report from The Australian National University reveals that Australia’s migration system could better meet labour shortages and support long-term economic growth by focusing more on skilled workers. The report highlights the vital role of temporary migrants, such as international students, graduates, and working holidaymakers, in enhancing the skilled workforce.

Key Migration Program Details

On 2 September, the Australian Government announced its Migration Program for 2025-26, maintaining a permanent migration cap of 185,000 people. The program continues to prioritise skilled migration, ensuring businesses can access the talent they need.

Professor Alan Gamlen from ANU stated that temporary migrants are crucial in high-skill professions, including management and professional services. It’s notable that only 12 per cent of permanent visa slots are currently allocated to offshore skilled entrants, while temporary visa holders significantly contribute to the skill pool in Australia.

The Impact of Temporary Visa Holders

The report indicates that in the past three years, 84 per cent of the increase in skilled migrant employment has come from students, graduates, and working holidaymakers. This contradicts the belief that temporary visa holders predominantly fill low-skill positions, as over half of graduate visa holders are engaged in high-skill roles.

Future Recommendations for Migration Policy

Professors Gamlen and McDonald recommend a shift in migration policy towards a clearer emphasis on permanent skilled stream applicants. They advocate for more employer-sponsored visas, such as the 482 visa, which permits employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary roles, and pathways to permanent residency through the 186 visa for those already in Australia.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke affirmed that the permanent migration program will remain at 185,000 for the 2025-26 financial year, ensuring stability for sectors reliant on skilled labour. The report calls for reforms to separate family visas from the skilled migration cap to better align the migration system with Australia’s workforce needs.

How This Relates to Visa Sponsorship

As Australia enhances its skilled migration framework, there may be new opportunities for those seeking visa sponsorship. Familiarising yourself with the available pathways, including the 482 visa or routes to permanent residency through skilled migration, can be valuable for job seekers aiming to work in Australia.

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