Australia skilled migration— Need to increase age limit

Australia, 31st October: Australia’s skilled migration program is inviting criticism for its anti-age discriminatory law.

As per the current rules for Australia’s General Skilled Migration program, the cut-off age is 50 years. But, this age-limit for skilled migrants is being claimed to contradict the Age Discrimination Act.

Lift age restriction for Australia skilled migration—Australian government is being urged to either abolish the age-limit for Australia General Skilled Migration Program or to raise the upper limit.

Currently, the upper age-limit for skilled migrants under Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program is fixed at 50 years while the lower limit is 18 years.

So, by restricting entry of skilled migrants aged between 18-50 years under Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program, the nation will be putting itself at a great disadvantage.

The legislation of cut-off for General Skilled Migration program is being reviewed by the ALRC (Australian Law Reform Commission).

Growing demand for older skilled migrants--Opponents of the age-limit argue such a ruling is not only anti-discriminatory but also needs to be reviewed keeping in view global developments.

By excluding skilled migrants aged above 50 years, the nation is restricting its ability get older workers with requisite skills.

The fact is that demand for older skilled persons has gone up considerably now days, says Professor of Gerontology at the University of Melbourne, Simon Biggs.

That’s because older migrants bring not just skill-sets but also finances along with them and they are far more productive than native Australians due to a solid base of higher skills.

And another fact worth considerable is that many other nations including the US and the EU (European Union) don’t have any such age restrictions for skilled migrants wanting to come and work.

General Skilled Migration—Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program allows skilled migrants not sponsored by any employer and having skills in specific occupations to work in Australia. Requirements for coming to Australia under General Skilled Migration program are—

• Aged between 18-50 years;

• Pass IELTS test of English language. Native English speakers get the choice of not taking this language test but need to do so if they want to get maximum points for English language.

• Need to get a EOI(Expression of Interest) and an invitation from DIAC(Department of Immigration and Citizenship) for making an application for Australian visa.

• Need to posses requisite qualifications and skill-sets for the occupation on the SOL(Skilled Occupation List) for Australian immigration.