Too many skilled migrant workers?

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Created on Monday, 17 June 2013 15:27

Written by Editorial staff

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' latest employment figures have fanned the flames of the 457 immigration visas debate.

On June 15, the Sydney Morning Herald published an article that questioned Australia's need for so many skilled migrant workers.

The article reveals that 131,000 more full-time jobs were created between November 2012 and April 2013 than were seen during the same period last year.

However, the article continues, "in net terms, people born overseas gained 97,000 more full-time jobs, while Australian-born people gained only 34,000".

It then goes on to suggest that skilled migrant workers are taking jobs that could have gone to locals.

The article also states that the Australian Bureau of Statistics' figures "raise doubts" as to whether employers who claim to need skilled migrant workers actually do.

Brendan O'Connor, minister for immigration and citizenship, has been talking about screeds of reforms and tougher punishments for those abusing the 457 visa system.

But even he announced on June 4 that "genuine skill shortages do exist in industries and locations right across Australia".

Clearly this is a debate that will continue for some time. All migration agents in Australia can do is wait to see what happens next.