DIBP has announced that it is undertaking a major review of the skilled migration and temporary activity visa programmes with most visa subclasses across the skilled migration and temporary activity visa programmes to be reviewed.

“In the current climate of globalisation, it is imperative for Australia’s long term prosperity to maintain a competitive advantage in identifying, attracting and retaining overseas skilled workers. The Australian Government has therefore placed great importance on the need for a clearer, deregulated skilled migration visa framework that will help shape and define Australia’s economic future,” states DIBP.

The cornerstones of the current system are expected to be reviewed via a comparative analysis of global migration systems and domestic needs.

DIBP suggests that the following, among other aspects of the current system, will be considered:

• the skills list available for migration will be reviewed and may be broadened by prescribing an occupation list that ‘excludes occupations available for migration to Australia’;
• the ANZSCO classification will be reconsidered;
• Skill standards will be aligned to industry needs whereby the industry decides on the skill standards;
• the points system and Skillselect will be reviewed to see if  they are the most suitable mechanism to manage skilled migration;
• the age threshold for certain occupations may be increased from 50 years;
• Migrants allowed in on lower English language proficiency may be required to show an improving standard over time.

The review invites members of the public to make submissions in line with the themes outlined in the discussion paper.  All submissions must be received by us no later than 5pm AEDT, 17 October 2014.

DIBP states that it has established six principles to guide and shape ongoing discussions with stakeholders for a future skilled migration visa framework. These include:

1. Simplicity in design supports increased comprehension and usability

2. Structural flexibility is critical to ensure changing skilled migration needs can be met.

3. Employment outcomes should be a key driver for Australia's skilled migration programmes.

4. Skilled migration must support and complement the Australian labour market.

5. Integrity is essential to maintain the continued acceptance of a skilled migration programme.

6. Support the whole of government deregulation agenda to reduce red tape and regulatory costs for Australian business and industry.

Read more: http://www.immi.gov.au/pub-res/Pages/discussion-papers/overview.aspx