Temporary migrants and visitors factored in population figures
Australia’s population estimates take into account a number of factors including birth rates, migrants to Australia on permanent and temporary visas, Australians returning from overseas and foreign students and visitors who have been in Australia for a period of more than 12 months out of a 16 month period.
It is important to remember that most temporary entrants to Australia, including temporary skilled workers, international students and visitors do not remain in Australia permanently and will eventually return to their home countries.
We are already seeing a significant decline in the number of temporary skilled migrant workers (457 visa holders) coming to Australia as employers reduce their reliance on overseas labour. This demand has been falling rapidly as a result of the global economic downturn.
As has long been the case, the Government can adjust the permanent migration levels according to the economic circumstances of the day. The Rudd Government reduced the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration intake in March this year by 14 per cent from 133 500 to 115 000 in response to the slowing economic conditions.
The 2009-10 skilled migration program was further reduced in this year’s Budget to 108 100 places and the Government is now giving priority to migrants with skills and professions in industries where there is demand for their skills such as the healthcare and engineering sectors.
This measure will ensure that overseas workers are not competing with Australians for jobs while still providing skilled workers for the economy as our own population ages.
The Australian labour force will still start to decline over the coming decade without adequate levels of skilled migration. A healthy level of skilled migration will offset the impact of our ageing workforce to maximise our productivity levels and to support our ageing population.
In addition, the Rudd Government has begun the task of constructing a long-term planning framework for migration so that future levels of immigration remain in the best interests of Australia.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09091.htm
Last update: 23 September 2009 at 08:39 AEST