TEMI Migration Update – February 2021 Guest post by Amanda Tinner, Visa Executive
UPDATE ON THE GLOBAL TALENT PROGRAM
The Australian Immigration Department has spent a lot of money on promoting the Global Talent Program over the last 12 months and compete with the brightest and best for global talent along with countries such as the UK. Since the inception of this program we have seen some tweaks, including processing delays and a change to the target sections which are currently:
- Resources
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Energy
- Health industries
- Defence, advanced manufacturing and space
- Circular economy
- DigiTech
- Infrastructure and tourism
- Financial services and FinTech
- Education
To be eligible to apply for the Global Talent Visa Program, applicants must also prove they are internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding and exceptional achievements. Places are also available to PhD graduates and certain PhD students who can demonstrate their exceptional talent and international recognition. PhD students who are nearing completion of their degree must be able to demonstrate they had a record of outstanding achievement prior to commencing their PhD studies. Candidates also must demonstrate that their PhD qualification is equivalent to Australian standards. Candidates should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold that is currently sitting at AUD153,600.
REVIEW OF THE CURRENT MIGRATION PROGRAM
Canberra never sleeps and another year usually means another review into Australia’s migration program and this year looks like it will not be any different. The government has just announced an inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Interestingly you can tell a lot from the terms of reference as to where the government’s focus is on the migration program. I have highlighted the points I find interesting and some such as point number 5 which have not been considered for many years.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall inquire into and report on Australia’s skilled migration program, with reference to:
- The purpose of the skilled migration program and whether it is meeting its intended objectives, including 1a) if any immediate adjustments are necessary in the context of the future of work and pandemic recovery, and 1b) if more long-term structural changes are warranted;
- Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, startups, and the best and brightest skilled migrants with cutting edge skills;
- Skills lists and the extent to which they are meeting the needs of industries and businesses and keeping pace with Australia’s job landscape;
- The administrative requirements for Australian businesses seeking to sponsor skilled migrants, including requirements to prioritise job opportunities for Australians and job creation;
- The costs of sponsorship to businesses seeking to sponsor skilled migrants;
- The complexity of Australia’s skilled migration program including the number of visa classes under the program and their requirements, safeguards and pathways; and
- Any other related matters.
For any queries regarding the migration program updates, please contact Amanda Tinner, Visa Executive.
Published by: The Employee Mobility Institute, February 2021
