The Minister has announced yesterday that they will maintain the overall current size of the migration program with a total of 168,700 places. This comprises of:

• Skills Stream: 113,850
• Family Stream: 54,550
• Special Eligibility Places: 300

The Minister said that:

These reforms support the Government's policy to deliver a more demand-driven skilled migration program that meets the needs of the economy in sectors and regions where there are shortages of skilled workers

Furthermore, Chief Executive of the Australian Industy Group, Heather Ridout also addressed her concern that over the next 5 years, 75% of Australian businesses is expected to be hit hard by skills shortages. Therefore, despite the planned changes to the current Skilled Occupation List which has alarmed many industry groups, potential applicants and individuals alike, there is still a promising sliver of hope for those wanting to move and work in Australia. If you are looking into moving to Australia, make sure that you get the best legal and migration advice by sending us an e-mail of your query.