Large numbers of doctors, nurses immigrating to Australia

Meanwhile, a noteworthy decline is being seen in the number of applications for low-skilled jobs including catering and hairdressing. The figures say number of applications for hairdressing and cooking jobs fell by 64 percent and 53 percent respectively, while the number of applications for Australian visas from high skilled professionals like doctors has doubled in the year 2009.

Decline in the number of applications for fitters, electricians and trade workers is due to economic slowdown coupled with changes in the 

Australian immigration policies, John Sutton, the national secretary of the CFMEU said.

The recent changes announced in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) are proving to be highly beneficial for healthcare workers like nurses and doctors. The changes reflect Australian Immigration Department’s effort to increased number of highly skilled professionals into the country.

The newly announced changes in the skilled workers program are being cited as ‘fairer’ than the previous program that favored vocational workers over highly educated Harvard scientist having relevant work experience. The new skilled workers program is in accordance with the needs of the country and to cater to the needs of employers since the earlier skilled migration scheme failed to fill gaps in the Australian labor market, said Senator Chris Evans.

The changes in the Australian immigration policies is spreading cheers among engineers, doctors, nurses ,teachers and welders, while it is a big shock for skilled workers opting for vocational courses in Australia.

The Australian government announced review of new points test last week and is seeking public submissions as to how the points test for Skilled Work Visa applicants should grade potential skilled migrants so that the highest qualified and skilled get priority for Australian work visas.