Australia to fast-track visa applications for skilled migrants-Xinhua

Australia to fast-track visa applications for skilled migrants

Source: Xinhua| 2022-07-21 09:26:41|Editor: huaxia

CANBERRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced it will fast-track permanent visa applications for skilled workers.

Clare O'Neil, minister for home affairs, recently said department resources will be diverted to prioritize visa applications for highly skilled workers overseas.

The COVID-19 pandemic shut off the pipeline for skilled migrants to Australia with borders closed for almost two years, creating a significant backlog in visa applications.

More than 600,000 temporary visa holders left Australia while borders were closed, causing staffing shortfalls in the health, construction and hospitality industries.

"We've got to get the system moving again," O'Neil told the Australian Financial Review (AFR).

"There's a really important conversation to be had about the size and composition of the migration program."

There are 961,016 visa applicants currently awaiting a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Of those, 57,906 are skilled workers including teachers, health workers and aged care staff whose applications will be prioritized.

Trade unions have welcomed the move to fast-track the applications, describing it as a "sensible move" to address staff shortages.

EXPLORE XINHUANET