Government shifts focus to onshore visa applicants in bid to curb net overseas migration
The Australian government has updated its skilled visa processing priorities to favor temporary applicants already residing in the country. This policy shift aims to reduce net overseas migration while addressing political pressure from opposition parties.
Why it matters
Migration policy is a central political issue in Australia, and this change reflects a strategic attempt to manage population growth and labor market needs.
Tony Burke issued a ministerial direction last week that laid out the revised priorities. ( ABC News: Matt Roberts )
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has changed the skilled visa processing priorities, sending temporary applicants to the front of the queue.
The move is an attempt to reduce net overseas migration, an issue on which One Nation and the Coalition have been applying pressure.
Mr Burke has postponed a National Press Club address about migration settings.
Link copied Share Share article Skilled migrants already in Australia will be prioritised for permanent places as the government attempts to reduce the level of net overseas migration.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke quietly issued a ministerial direction late last month that laid out the skilled visa processing priorities, with jobs in defence topping the industry preference list.
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