17 March 2008

IT industry taking advantage of Australian immigration programme

IT is the industry which took the biggest advantage of the 457 visa programme, bringing in the most workers through temporary Australian immigration in 2006/07. Figures from the Australian immigration department have revealed that 46,680 temporary visas were awarded to skilled workers from abroad last year. The visas allow people to stay in the country for up to four years.

The chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, Heather Ridout, warned that businesses had become dependant on the 457 programme. "But the economy is also very dependent on it and we're going to be very dependent on it if we want to keep the economy growing," she added. The figures, which were revealed by the Weekend Australian showed that the health and community services sector accounted for 16 per cent of all of the 457 visas issued. Britain was also shown to be the country which contributed the most workers through the scheme.

In related news, it was recently announced that the unemployment rate in Australia has fallen to a record low, providing good news for people considering Australian immigration.

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.