Following Australia’s attempt to reduce immigration numbers, the federal government has said it is looking to reform the points-based system for skilled migrants, which determines who is eligible to come to Australia.
In December, a review of Australia’s migration system proposed that the points test should prioritize traits that help migrants successfully find skilled employment, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to a report from SBS News, it was also recommended for the test to provide greater certainty for prospective migrants, and prioritize industries with skilled deficits, and recognize younger people.
In this regard, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said a reformed points test would contribute to the improvement of the immigration system.
Our goal is to build a smaller, better planned, more strategic migration system that works for Australia. We are significantly reducing migration levels; we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia’s history, outside of war or pandemic.
The strategy laid out plans for migrant numbers to return to where they were before the COVID-19 situation and cut new overseas migration in half by 2025.
After the pandemic, the increased number of international students and tourists impacted the surge of net migration to 500,000 during the 2022/23 financial year.
In addition, the review also proposed adjusting the points test to be the main part of a future permanent skilled migration program, with two-thirds of skilled migrants being chosen this way.
We’re focused on making sure that a smaller migration program is bringing in people who have skills we need to build Australia’s future.
Reviewing the Points Test
On December 11, 2023, Australia’s government published the Migration Strategy. It shows a new vision for Australia’s migration system, consisting of eight key actions and more than 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform.
Through a statement, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs revealed that among the key areas of future reform outlined in the Migration Strategy is to find a reformed points test in order to identify better migrants to drive Australia’s long-term prosperity.
Authorities in Australia use a points test in order to assess visa applications, taking into account different weights to factors such as skills and qualifications. Besides, it helps match migrants to Australia’s job market needs, encouraging skilled migrants to apply based on their abilities as well as suitability for work.
According to the statistics from Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2022-23 the number of migrant arrivals increased to 737,000, an increase from 427,000 from the year before. It equates to a yearly increase of 73 per cent.