09 March 2009

Economic downturn causing temporary entrant numbers to drop

The number of international visitors to Australia has dropped considerably as a result of the global economic recession.

According to Bloomberg, the number of Australian business visa approvals has dropped significantly since the recession has taken picked up speed in America and Europe.  To add to this, the number of international tourists visiting the country has plummeted as people opt for domestic holidays to save money.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) reported that in January, 30 per cent fewer Australian business visas were lodged when compare with the same period in 2008, while 33 per cent fewer temporary skilled working visas were lodged since September. 

Despite the numbers of temporary entrants dropping in response to market needs and the economic downturn, the Government has confirmed it would maintain its skilled migration quota until the next year's financial budget release in July.  Currently, the Government has planned for 133,500 skilled visas for people looking to move to Australia in this financial year.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with emigrating to Australia.