The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023 and outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, with a policy roadmap containing 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform. Few policies are already being updated and in effect and few to be in effect from 1 July 2024.
 

One of the key areas of future reform outlined in the Migration Strategy was exploring ‘a reformed points test to better identify migrants who will drive Australia’s long-term prosperity. This is not a reform about the size of the permanent program or bringing migration levels back to pre-pandemic levels, but rather about who becomes a permanent resident through the skilled migration program. Getting the points test right is critical to restoring permanent residence at the heart of our migration system and maximising the economic benefit to Australia. 

 

Challenges with the current points test is the points test should focus on characteristics that are associated with migrants successfully finding skilled work leaving criteria of less obvious benefit (such as regional study and community language test - CCL, Professional Year) combination stronger than that of the work experience. In line with this, we may see a (1) greater weight on Skilled Work Experience in the newly implemented system. 

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The Migration Review also considered that the Australian approach to points allocations was not sufficiently nuanced with significant cliffs between ages. For example, for those between 39 and 40 years old, one additional year has a significant impact on success in obtaining a visa – even if the actual difference between a 39 year old and a 40 year old is small at the margin. In line with this review, we may expect to see a (2) shorter age bracket classification in the newly introduced system.

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The review also identifies points test does not fully recognise the potential contributions of partners; this has been a conundrum for ages now. Previously it was only applicants with partner who used to get points which was changed to take single applicants out of a disadvantageous position. If weight is given too much on partners skills, why not we consider that the partner should be eligible for the points system his/her own without having to rely on the dependent. Because, what it does is, it increases the number people and still keeps it within the quota. We do not quite reflect or realize the fact that a Skilled Migrant who is single is also possibly likely to marry or have a partner who is skilled in the future. It is incumbent for the policy to not give too much weight to partners but rather this can be solely under partner visa. But, we go ahead with changes without sometimes properly seeing the 360 degree picture and hence, policies keep on being erratic and inconsistent.

What the Immigration Minister Hon Clare O'Neil advised makes sense that there needs to be a clear picture laid out Infront of the students and applicants seeking to migrate and they must be given a relatively short time towards achieving it, for example 2 years of Graduate Visa which will not only keep the skilled workers but also take us out of the mess of Temporary visas.

Following are few of the (3) industries which are focused on the migration review and may have a smoother and faster pathway. These Occupations are the ones contributing to

1. Net-Zero environment

2. Digital economy

3. Teaching

4. Healthcare