Australian skilled migration needed to avoid skills shortage
by Harleen Kaur - October 28, 2010
Australia, 27th October: As pre the findings of a recent Skilled Migration Survey, recruitment of skilled immigrants seems to be the latest trend for employers in Australia as the nation sees predictions of a looming skills shortage in the coming times.
The survey by KPMG for the year 2010 reveals that majority of small businesses in Australia are being compelled to think out of the box by resorting to increased skilled immigration.
The survey shows the current practices of companies in Australia in hiring and retention of skilled immigrants under the Australian government’s 457 visa scheme.
At present, there are a total of 68,400 immigrants in Australia possessing 457 primary visas, the latest data from the DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) shows.
It’s expected that around 50 percent of survey respondents will resort to recruiting additional workforce under the 457 visa scheme amid the growing fears of a significant decline in the skilled migration over the coming two years.
The survey involving 236 companies by KPMG reveals that around 60 percent of survey respondents revealed of not reducing the levels of skilled migration and 50 percent said they were facing acute skills shortages.
Head of migration practice for KPMG, Karen Waller said that there has been an increase in the applications for 457 visas by around 20 percent in the month of May this year making it the second-highest month of applications received till date this year.
Mr. Waller stated that the 457 visas offer flexibility to businesses in bridging the gap between the supply and the demand of temporary skills shortages in Australia by hiring skilled immigrants.
Nearly 50 percent of those coming to Australia under 457 visas have gained permanent residency in Australia. And 457 visas are beneficial to both the workers and employers in Australia since such a visa program comes with a try-before-you-buy system, added Waller.
Findings of a report by Access Economics reveal that net migration levels are set to fall from 241,000 in the previous year to 170,000 in the coming few years.
No wonder, that’s the reason why two-third of the survey respondents want the Australian government to take a look at the skilled visa limits.
Among the areas experiencing high demand for skilled immigrant workforce including trades, construction, engineering and manufacturing.
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