Global financial crisis and migration
Surani Punchihewa
The world economy is experiencing one of its hardest times ever. It
is evident that if not for proper actions by the governments, countries
are bound to experience worse times than the Great Depression.
Job market
As the financial crisis has the biggest impact on the west and the
developed world, securing work would be a primary concern for potential
migrants. As the job market has been affected in many parts of the
world, one would imagine that employment will be a barrier to their
settlement, which is true to an extent.
Australia is one of the least affected nations in the global
financial crisis. However, one cannot rule out that implications are not
visible. There is a distinctive loss of demand for certain occupations.
Comparatively, loss of skilled work is far less than blue collar jobs.
On January 1, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
announced a new list by the name of Critical Skills List (CSL).
This list further highlights the skills that are in acute shortage
and is created with the purpose of prioritising visas. With the
announcement of this list, there were other changes to the procedures
made in the month of March.
Visas affected
The new change to procedures affects the visas under the skilled
migration category. As such now the DIAC gives the priority to
applications that are sponsored by the State/ Territory governments.
Occupations in the CSL receive the next level of priority while the
Migration Occupation in Demand (MOD) is pushed further down the ladder.
If your application is lodged under the independent category or
relative sponsored category and your occupation is not in demand; you
will experience delays in the process. These changes have been made
skilfully to the Australian Skilled Migration program according to
current demand of the Australian economy.
It is noteworthy that this prioritising of occupations will better
cater the Australian actual skills shortage. Furthermore, the Australian
government has announced 14 percent reduction of places available for
the financial quota of 2008/2009.
Applicants who have already lodged their applications will be
affected by these changes too. However, if your application is being
practised with the DIAC, there is no need to be alarmed by the changes.
Some applicants are under the perception that these changes may result
in returning their applications and consequently will not be eligible
for processing.
This is actually not the case. What you will go through is merely a
delay for some cases in processing times, whereas some applications are
fast tracked with the changes.
Burning question
There is a burning question in the given climate should I proceed
with a migration application. What is mention worthy at this point is
that applicants receiving visas in a year or so from now, are better off
than the applicants receiving visas now. As such, there is light at the
end of the tunnel. At the time of writing this article, there are many
signs of recovery of the Australian economy.
The demand for jobs particularly in the IT, Engineering and
Accountancy fields areas have shown a steady growth.
All other occupations in the Skills Occupations List (SOL) stand a
great chance too, particularly with a State/ territory nomination.
Having higher scores in the IELTS test also, enhances the
opportunity. Potential applicants should not give in to the rumours that
the migration program has ceased. Being proactive is the best remedy.
If one believes the criteria are met for an Australian visa, better
now than never.
Therefore, with proper advice, potential candidates can still apply
for migration and keep their hopes up in settling in the land of
opportunity.
Advice on Australian migration must be obtained through registered
migration consultants with the Migration Agents Registration Authority. |