A significant overhaul is being planned by the Australian government for its skills-based visa program, which could result in the abolition of skilled occupation lists and the slash of hundreds of visa subcategories in order to promote a demand-driven immigration system where businesses play a larger role in determining which jobs are in high demand. During the biggest shake-up to the immigration system in decades, as well as a historic shortage of workers, Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil is quoted in one report as saying that every possible idea is on the table.
In order to boost economic growth and productivity, secure the nation's geostrategic influence, and strengthen its sovereignty capabilities, the government is working to boost economic growth and productivity. There is expected to be a significant role played by unions and industry in the review, which has been mandated with finding ways to protect workers from exploitation and abuse.
In the current state of affairs, Australia's visa processing system is making it harder for the country to attract much-needed talent, with visa processing wait times being as long as 15 months in some cases.
According to supporters of the policy change, removing skills lists will speed up the processing times and will help identify workforce shortages more accurately since skills shortages are more likely to emerge in jobs that require a high level of skills and high wages in the first place.
It is reported that O'Neil said he hoped the review would lead to the implementation of a better and more efficient system capable of attracting and retaining the best talent from around the world, with easy rules that are simple and easy to understand for both migrants and employers and could complement the skills of Australian workers.
