05 December 2007

Australian immigration boom bigger than ever

An unprecedented Australian immigration boom, along with increasing fertility rates, has pushed the country's population over the 21 million mark and the population growth is above the world average.

The hot labour market is attracting foreign workers to apply for Australian visas. "With skilled workers in short supply, businesses have been seeking staff overseas, and it's clear that migrants have responded in droves," CommSec chief economist Craig James told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Commonwealth Bank senior economist Michael Workman noted: "Population growth is likely to remain quite firm as the federal government responds to strong demand from the business sector for skilled and professional staff. The jobs markets need more people."

With population growth of 1.2 per cent Australia is only just falling behind the fast-growing economies of India and China.

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.