Language tests, quicker visas: Key takeaways from the government’s migration plan
KEY POINTS
- The government has released its long-awaited migration strategy.
- It includes changes for international students, who will need higher English proficiency.
- But visas for the highest earners will be fast-tracked.
It comes after a damning review by senior public servant Martin Parkinson, which warned Australia’s migration system was “not fit for purpose” and overly dependent on temporary migration.
![Clare O'Neil in Question Time.](https://images.sbs.com.au/10/29/ff16581441629f1c1e5c58759680/20231207001874771848-original.jpg?imwidth=1280)
Clare O’Neil says the system will be based on Australia’s national interest. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Flanked by union and business representatives on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil declared the government would “bring numbers back under control” by building a system based on the country’s needs.
Here are the key takeaways.
Language tests for students
The strategy says this will have multiple benefits: improving the quality of their education experience, and boosting the reputation of the education sector.
![A group of university graduates.](https://images.sbs.com.au/drupal/news/public/podcast_images/university_graduates.jpg?imwidth=1280)
The university sector is highly dependent on international students, who will face tougher language restrictions before coming to Australia. Source: AAP
Those with poor English skills are more likely to face exploitation in the Australian labour market.
Crucially, the review says it will also improve the quality of work they are able to attain when they graduate; the current system is sending foreign graduates into work well below their skill level.
- Just a third of international students end up working in a job at their skill level, compared to three quarters of domestic graduates
- More than half work in the lowest two skill brackets
- The median annual salary for an international master’s degree graduate is more than $30,000 lower than their Australian equivalents.
O’Neil wouldn’t rule out caps on international student numbers when pressed on Monday.
Faster visas for high earners
That’s after businesses complained that getting approval to fill a vital role with a highly-skilled foreign employee is too laborious.
But trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers won’t be eligible for the new visa.
![Bar Chart (2).png](https://images.sbs.com.au/d7/5c/31e4fd824168bdcbf64bf6b528ac/bar-chart-2.png?imwidth=1280)
What about low-paid workers?
Low-paid workers are most vulnerable to exploitation, but are clearly needed in multiple key sectors – think aged care and regional farming.
![A person working on a farm.](https://images.sbs.com.au/drupal/news/public/d221530a-958a-48e6-a75f-29a039436f74_1636502253.jpeg?imwidth=1280)
Many Australian farmers are reliant on overseas workers, but the low-paid migrants are most vulnerable to exploitation. Source: AAP / Johan Palsson
Migrant workers are often tethered to a single employee – sometimes known as “bonded labour” – making it difficult to seek other work or complain about mistreatment.
“Ending bonded labour and allowing exploited workers to move freely in our labour market is critical to ending exploitation. Because your boss should not be in charge of your pay cheque and your passport,” Liam O’Brien, Australian Council of Trade Unions assistant secretary, said on Monday.
What’s already been done?
The government said that meant a scheme set up to bring in skilled workers was actually an avenue for cheap labour. Labor will also move to index the TSMIT, meaning it would automatically rise with wages.
That means the last visas will expire in August next year, and around 70,000 people on the visa could leave Australia within the next 12 months.
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