Contemporary skill migration in Australia

Abstract

Immigration has always been a key of the Australian social and economic development. Australia administers separate Migration and Humanitarian Programs. The Migration Program has two streams: Family and Skill. The smaller Special Eligibility stream includes groups such as former Australian citizens and former residents who have maintained ties with Australia. The Skill stream of Australia's Migration Program is specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. The migration to Australia of people with qualifications and relevant work experience can help to address skill shortages in Australia and enhance the size, skill level and productivity of the Australian labour force. Skilled migrants were mainly employed in managerial, administrative, professional or paraprofessional occupations or as traders. Permanent movement represents the major element of net overseas migration. Australia has experienced not only permanent influx of skilled but longterm movement as an affect of globalisation of business, the creation of international labour and education markets and cheaper travel. The level of longterm movements is strongly influenced by both domestic and international conditions of development, particularly economic conditions. More Australians are going overseas to work and study and foreigners are coming to Australia in larger numbers for the same reasons. Skill migration in FRY is mostly correlated with the economic situation in the country. Skill stream from FRY to Australia has been significantly increased since 1990. In the Australian official statistics separate data for the FRY has been available since July 1998. Prior to July 1998. FRY component was substantial proportion of total Former Yugoslav Republics. Estimated Serbian skill stream is around 4500 people.