The government's migration blueprint outlines several key actions to attract highly paid skilled workers while cracking down on migrant worker exploitation and integrity issues with international students.
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KEY CHANGES TO AUSTRALIA'S MIGRATION SYSTEM
* English language requirements increased for international students and graduates with $19m invested in the Home Affairs student visa integrity unit to place restrictions on visa hopping
* A new Skills in Demand visa along with three targeted pathways to attract temporary skilled migration and plug shortages
* Worker exploitation and abuse of the visa system will be addressed with new legislation to impose penalties on unscrupulous employers
* Regional visas will be processed at the highest priority to support development in those areas
* A new Talent and Innovation visa has been floated for migrants who can "drive growth in sectors of national importance"
* The migration system will be simplified by removing more than 20 unnecessary and duplicative visas, making it easier for migrants and employers
* A longer-term and evidence-based approach to addressing migration will be adopted to improve population planning
* Stronger ties will be established with Pacific nations by offering pathways to citizenship for New Zealanders and increased mobility with Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries
Australian Associated Press
