Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

A newly published labour force study, funded by Australia's federal government, has found that the Australian skilled immigration system is failing skilled migrant women who have emigrated as the spouse of an Australian visa holder. According to the study, thousands of female skilled migrants struggle to join the Australian workforce or see their careers grind to a halt because they're forced into low-income jobs.

Australian business groups are reigniting the campaign for 457 visa reform, stating that the time has come to 'dispel misinformation about the 457 visa scheme....' In a move likely to create friction with unions over the 457 visa for temporary skilled migrants, business groups are demanding that the government abolishes 'Labor-era market testing arrangements in the scheme.'

Friction between Australia's Federal Government and the country's tourism industry about the working holiday maker visa is due to a serious staff shortage currently affecting businesses. Business leaders in the tourism sector are demanding an immediate visa solution to ease the staffing crisis that's threatening to bring the industry to a standstill during its busiest time of year.

According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald – a popular Australian newspaper – and as previously reported by workpermit.com, there are fewer Irish backpackers applying for Australian working holiday visas such as the 417 visa. The report states that Irish backpacker numbers in Australia have declined by more than half in the past three years. Australian immigration needs to do more to encourage people to come to Australia under the working holidaymaker visa scheme.

The Northern Territory in Australia is experiencing a shortage of hospitality workers, resulting in businesses struggling to recruit staff and business closures. Demand for overseas nationals with working holiday visas is high, with many businesses reliant on them for survival. A report by the Australian Hotel Association (AHA) reveals that traders in Darwin, in the Northern Territory are struggling to recruit staff.

More UK doctors are moving Down Under on Australian skilled immigration visas such as the employer sponsored Australian 190 visa, skilled independent 189 visa and temporary work visa the 457 visa. Doctors who have already emigrated to Australia say that 'higher rates of pay and better working conditions' are what tempted them to make the switch from the UK's NHS to practicing abroad.