Australia Cuts Migration

In the wake of the global economic crisis and the subsequent slowdown in the Australian economy the Government has slashed the skilled migration intake for the second time. It is a clear signal that it expects the unemployment to increase.
The number of visas granted for the rest of the financial year would be kept under review. The Government retains the ability to cap the program if necessary.
But it should be kept in mind by those interested in migrating to Australia that the door is still open and the intake will increase substantially when the economy starts improving again.
Below is a summary of the changes to the migration program as per the Federal Budget.
• A further cut to the permanent skilled migration intake to 108,000 places for the 2009-10 program (a 20% reduction to the previous budget)
• The reduction will be achieved largely through cutbacks in the General Skilled Category
• A job-readiness test will be introduced for onshore skilled applicants
• The Government will be increasing the English language requirement for trades occupation to IELTS 6 from 1 July 2009 for offshore applicants and 1 January 2010 for onshore applicants
• There will be fewer visas granted to trade level occupations
• There will be an increase in family migration places to 60,300, including addition 2500 for partners, 1000 for contributory parents and 300 for child visas
• Increased humanitarian Program to 13,750 (7750 Special Humanitarian and 6000 refugee)
• Increased funding to improve detention centres
• DIAC staff reductions