Parliamentary Committee Recommends to Ease Permanent Residency Pathway for Skilled Migrant Workers
The Parliamentary Committee recommends providing an easier Permanent Residency Pathway for skilled migrant workers to respond to the Australian Immigration Minister’s request to look into Australia’s skilled migration program and how it could be improved to support Australia’s recovery from the Pandemic.
The inquiry from Mr Hawke includes whether the skills listed as part of the program are the ones that Australia needs, how expensive it is for the employer to sponsor skilled migrants and generally how difficult the scheme is to navigate.
So, what are the recommendations?
Is Australia reliant on migrant workers?
The answer is yes. In fact, Australia is very reliant on skilled migrant workers. Over a half-million migrant workers left Australia since March 2020, which has been significantly affecting the workforce. Liberal MP Julian Leeser also mentioned that many businesses around the country face difficulties in finding skilled Australians to do particular jobs.
Migration has benefited Australia for decades, and the sudden drop in migration due to border closure and Pandemic has added to the toll on the economy.
Hence, the industry leaders have been calling on the Government to provide pathways to bring back skilled workers to address the national shortage.
Read more: Skilled Migration: Sponsoring Skilled Workers in Australia
Recommendation for Easier Permanent Residency Pathway
The Parliamentary Committee has tabled a report on Monday that recommends a range of measures designed to create a more accessible pathway for Australia temporary Visa holders to stay in Australia long-term. One of the recommendations is that all employer nominated visas should have a pathway for permanent residency.
The committee also suggested prioritizing the regional workers by:
- Raising the age threshold from 45 to 50;
- Capping English requirements at vocational English;
- Reducing the number of years of working experience to two.
It is believed that the Government must recognize the unique circumstances of the Pandemic and create a more flexible system proposing to adapt to emerging labour market needs.
The inquiry also thinks the minimum wage for migrant workers in non-regional areas, which is currently set at $53,900, needs to be increased.
If the Government agreed to increase the minimum wage, it would be the first change for temporary skilled migrants in eight years.
Read more: Australian Permanent Residency Visa Holders Forced to Wait for Benefits
PR Pathway for Employer-sponsored visa
The Government has been providing several permanent residency pathways for skilled workers around the world. There are four different visa subclasses for employer-sponsored Visa:
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187) are permanent visas that allow you to stay and work permanently in Australia.
If you hold a 482 visa or 457 visa, then one of these visa subclasses might be your best pathway to get a permanent residency.
Meanwhile, if you hold a Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494), the possible permanent residency pathway for you is by applying for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).
Read more: UPDATE: New Penalties Have Been Proposed To Protect Migrant Workers
What does it mean for you?
Getting a permanent residency has been a dream for most skilled workers. However, you may face difficulties getting it due to the permanent visa’s strict requirements, especially during this challenging time.
If the Government agreed on the recommendations that the committee tabled on Monday, more flexible and easier requirements will be applied to the requirement of permanent residency. On the other hand, it might be easier for you to obtain your permanent residence!
If you wish to check your eligibility, please get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159.
Have an inquiry regarding Australian permanent residency? We’re here to advise you!
If you have any inquiries regarding Australian permanent residency, feel free to contact us, and we will get back to you with professional advice.
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