18 March 2008

Report reveals that skilled workers who emigrate to Australia are paid higher than average

Skilled workers who move to Australia through temporary Australian immigration are paid higher than the average wage, according to new figures. A report from the Department of Immigration has revealed that workers who are going to Australia on the temporary 457 visas are in some cases earning more than their Australian counterparts.

The Union New South Wales secretary John Robertson played down the wages being higher than locals', saying: "For a lot of these workers, no doubt they are going to work in the mining sector where we know there is a wages boom on." A spokesman for the Department of Immigration said that 60 per cent of 457 visas which were given to professionals and were therefore bound to be earning a higher wage. People considering either permanent or temporary Australian immigration can take an Australia immigration points test to check their suitability. With a 457 visa, people can be employed in Australia from between three months and four years and they have no limit on the amount of times they can travel to and from Australia during that period.

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.