Fewer people are applying for Australian visas.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship have announced a 20% drop in migration rates to Australia and the likelihood is that the drop is set to increase.
The drop in people applying to migrate to Australia is blamed on the changes the DIAC have made to their immigration program, which include tougher measures for students and general skilled migrants looking to work in Australia. The current financial situation is also thought to have a bearing on the drop.
The DIAC announced that net overseas migration peaked in 2008-09 but is now on the way down. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm that migration rates peaked in the 12 months to March 2009 at just under 306,000. The 20% drop in migration rates is just the tip of the iceberg, with the DIAC predicting net overseas migration to drop further to between 230,000 and 250,000.
The reduction in numbers will no doubt be helped by the cap on some general skilled migration visas until July 2010 when the new Skilled Occupation List comes into effect. Senator Chris Evans states that he wants the DIAC to provide a clear perspective on migration.
Plans are to reduce migration numbers further in order to provide, what the DIAC says, are skilled workers that are actually needed to plug the gaps in the Australian workforce. Senator Evans claims that too many general skilled migrants were emigrating to Australia and not providing a useful service to the Australian workforce.
If you are planning to migrate to Australia have a look at our guide to living in Australia and information on the right Australian visa for you.
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