Govt changes skilled migration program
August 9, 2007 – 5:39PM
The Age (Melbourne)
Foreign architects, locksmiths and aircraft engineers will find it easier to get work in Australia under changes to the country's skilled migration program.
Migrants with skills in occupations considered to be in demand, such as those with labour shortages, have a better chance of being accepted by the immigration department for skilled work in Australia.
Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews and Employment Minister Joe Hockey have announced 10 additions to the Migrant Occupations in Demand List.
These were architects, avionic and mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers, quantity surveyors, external auditors, computing professionals, locksmiths, painter-decorators, furniture finishers and optical mechanics.
Mr Hockey said the inclusion of architects and quantity surveyors on the list would be particularly welcomed by the resources and construction industry.
The addition of aviation engineers would help Australia remain competitive in aircraft maintenance, he said.
Foreigners who have experience in occupations on the list get extra points when applying for skilled migration visas, improving their chances of being accepted into Australia.
