BackAustralia to cut skilled immigrant workers
Australia to cut skilled immigrant workers
Premium
Sydney: Australia will reduce its skilled migration intake by 14% this year in an attempt to stem competition for local jobs, Immigration and Citizenship minister Chris Evans said on Monday.
The move will see the skilled migration programme intake in 2008-09 cut from 133,500 to 115,000, with jobs in the construction industry largely affected by the decision.
“Clearly, the economic circumstances in Australia have changed as a result of the global financial crisis so it is prudent to reduce this year’s migration intake accordingly," Evans said in a statement.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Australia rose from 4.8% in January to 5.2% in February, the highest level in four years and worse than earlier expected.
Evans said although critical skills shortages remain in the health, engineering and information technology fields, the government was acting to protect local jobs.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
