01 April 2008

Sydney business owners look to Australian visa holders to fill job vacancies

Business owners in Sydney are claiming that it has become impossible for them to fill jobs due to the low unemployment and record number of vacancies in the city. It has been reported that the hospitality and retail industries in particular are struggling to find staff. The high number of jobs and lack of suitable applicants in the area make ideal conditions for people entering the country through Australian immigration.

Employers First chief executive Gary Brack told news.com.au: "We're down to 4.1 per cent unemployment. Once you start getting down to that level, you look at the content of the unemployment queues." He added that "sadly for them" these people are not those who have "good education attainment and high levels of skill". Commsec chief economist Craig James also said that employees are "having to go offshore" to find the staff who are needed. People thinking of moving to Australia should check the Australia Skilled Occupations List (SOL) to see if their occupation gives them access to the skilled migration stream, or check if they are eligible through a skilled points test.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.