Newly released Federal Budget details Migration Program Planning Levels

The Federal Government has recently disclosed the planning levels for the new migration program as an integral part of the latest Federal Budget. The ongoing focus remains on skilled migration, a strategic decision made to address the persistent skills shortages across various sectors.

The planning levels outlined in the budget suggest a moderate upswing in the employer-sponsored options, reflecting the government's continued commitment to supporting businesses in sourcing the necessary skilled workforce. This strategic approach aims to drive economic growth and bolster the country's labour market.

It's crucial to note that the migration planning levels exclusively apply to permanent residency visa options. Temporary visa programs, which are demand-driven, are not encapsulated within these planning levels. These programs respond dynamically to the fluctuating demands of the labour market and are not subject to predefined migration quotas.

Within the family stream of migration, the projected numbers for partner and child visas are merely estimative and serve primarily for planning purposes. Similar to temporary visa programs, these streams are also demand-driven and, thus, do not adhere to a fixed ceiling. This flexibility ensures that the government can adjust its migration policies in response to real-time familial migration needs.

In summary, as presented in the recent Federal Budget, the new migration program planning levels continue to prioritise skilled migration. The slight increase in employer-sponsored options signals the government's commitment to addressing ongoing skills shortages. Simultaneously, demand-driven programs such as temporary visas, partner visas, and child visas continue to provide the necessary adaptability to meet the dynamic migration needs of the country.

Speak to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.