The Australian migration department has recently been all out in its effort to attract more professional workers into the country. Thus, it has started to implement various changes in the skilled migration program since last year. And the department said that there are still a lot of changes that are in store for the program.
One of the latest changes that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has introduced in the last few months is a new set of points assessment tests for working visa applicants. The points assessment is the test used by the DIAC to determine whether or not an applicant is qualified for a visa based on his qualifications.
Under the new system, English proficiency has been given a significant emphasis. Here, applicants who will be able to get a rating of “Superior” in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam will automatically get 20 points for the assessment. Immigration officials stressed that good English proficiency is important for those wishing to work and settle in the country permanently.
One the other hand, the DIAC has also decided to scrap the points that are awarded to applicants based on the jobs that they are intending to get in the country. Previously, this was granted in order to encourage foreign workers to go to certain fields, which the department has deemed to be in demand. Now, immigration authorities said that the changes will give equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of work plans.
Another major change in the points system is the increase of the pass mark to 65 points. The age limit for the skilled migration programs has also been upped to 49 years old. This, officials say, is to attract more senior professionals into the fold.
However, various groups are concerned that the new points system might not live up to its promise. In fact, some experts argue that this might even lead to worker shortage. They point out that the tougher criteria will likely discourage a lot of applicants. On the other hand, even though the age limit has been increased, some observers have pointed out that it is likely that a narrow group of applicants will be able to make it through.
However, the DIAC is still confident that the changes that it has made will be able to address the current worker shortage in the country. They said that by providing tougher rules. They will be able to sort out those applicants that have all the qualifications that the country currently needs.
Under the new system, English proficiency has been given a significant emphasis. Here, applicants who will be able to get a rating of “Superior” in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam will automatically get 20 points for the assessment. Immigration officials stressed that good English proficiency is important for those wishing to work and settle in the country permanently.
One the other hand, the DIAC has also decided to scrap the points that are awarded to applicants based on the jobs that they are intending to get in the country. Previously, this was granted in order to encourage foreign workers to go to certain fields, which the department has deemed to be in demand. Now, immigration authorities said that the changes will give equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of work plans.
Another major change in the points system is the increase of the pass mark to 65 points. The age limit for the skilled migration programs has also been upped to 49 years old. This, officials say, is to attract more senior professionals into the fold.
However, various groups are concerned that the new points system might not live up to its promise. In fact, some experts argue that this might even lead to worker shortage. They point out that the tougher criteria will likely discourage a lot of applicants. On the other hand, even though the age limit has been increased, some observers have pointed out that it is likely that a narrow group of applicants will be able to make it through.
However, the DIAC is still confident that the changes that it has made will be able to address the current worker shortage in the country. They said that by providing tougher rules. They will be able to sort out those applicants that have all the qualifications that the country currently needs.
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