The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) is pleased to see migration come through relatively unscathed following a tough budget where some unpopular decisions were made, said MIA Chief Executive Officer Maurene Horder.
“The largest change to the Migration Program,” according to Ms Horder,”was the shifting of 700 permnent place from Skilled to the Family Migration Program.”
“The MIA has long agitated for a more robust Family Program recognising its importance to social cnnectiviy and healthy communities,” said Ms Horder.
“The Treasurer said, “We must also ensure our economy has the skilled workers it needs,” but this budget is important in recognising the Family Migration,” said Ms Horden.
“The MIA welcomes the annuncement by the Minster for Immigration and Citizenship the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP that the Migratino Program would be sustained at a slightly increased level to 180,000places.
What is less welcome is the nearly 47 million dollars the Government will extract after fee increases for Subclass 457 vis applications.
“This visa is integral to the Australian labour and skills market,” said Ms Horder. “To claim otherwise is counter productive to the Program and the Government’s goals of “job” and “growth.”
“The institute notes that the Government intends to invest in a number of measures to strengthen regional and international cooperation on Irregular Maritime Arrivals. It is hoped that tis will result in reducing risks to human life, and provide faster procssing and generally more humane tretament of refugees.” said Ms Horder.
The MIA is the peak body for the migration advice profession, representing more than 2200 Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) across Australia and overseas, more than 60 percent
are migrants themselves, and who claim proficiency in mor than 60 different counity and languages.