The Australian Government has recently launched a major review into the
Skilled Occupation List for Australian Migration. The Skill Occupation Lists are currently linked to the Subclass 482, 186, 187, 189, 190, 489, 491, 494 and other skilled visas.
The Australian employment and skills minister Michaelia Cash launched this review in an effort to ensure the occupation lists are “responsive to genuine skills needs”.
The review will determine how the government updates the Skilled Occupations List in March next year, with labour market analysis and public consultations to also be undertaken. Immigration Minister David Coleman said the new review aimed to ensure that businesses can access workers to fill “critical skills shortages”.
The skills shortages and talent gaps faced by Australian startups and tech firms is an issue, and more needs to be done to improve access to overseas talent until it is on offer locally, an Australian registered migration agent said. The agent goes on to say it is important that the government considers offering a pathway to permanent residency for all Temporary Skills Shortage visas.
“One of the problems is that we are trying to attract highly skilled people but only being able to offer a short term visa with no permanent residency avenue. This will of course mean that a move to Australia is less attractive and we are more likely to lose that talent to other markets.
A positive outcome would be if they combine the lists and give the option of permanent residency to all skilled workers under the TSS.” Migration Alliance
If the Australian Government is to take on these recommendations, this will mean any Overseas Skilled Workers on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list may have an option to apply for permanent residency.
See the full Skilled Occupation List here
Source: Migration Alliance
