请看时代报新闻以及后面的跟帖评论：http://www.theage.com.au/nationa ... -20100207-nksr.html
Crackdown on skilled migrants KATHARINE MURPHY
February 8, 2010 Comments 11
ABOUT 20,000 people will have their visa applications cancelled as the Rudd government launches a crackdown in the skilled migration program.
In a move likely to inflame political sensitivities over the treatment of Indian students, the government is expected to deny migrants any opportunity of achieving ''back door'' permanent residency through the skilled migration scheme.
The changes to be unveiled today will see 20,000 current applications binned; an overhaul of the queueing system that identifies occupations in demand and creates a points system; and state governments will be asked to develop new migration plans.
The Immigration Minister will also gain new legal authority to set a maximum number of visas for a single occupation.
The cancelled applications apply to all offshore general skilled migration claims lodged before September 2007. Refunding 20,000 visa applications will cost taxpayers about $14 million.
Given the changes could have a significant impact on many foreign students already in Australia, the government will introduce transitional arrangements to apply until 2012.
Foreign students who have a qualification for an occupation no longer considered in demand will get to apply for a temporary 18-month visa, allowing them to gain work experience.
The 18 months will also give a foreign graduate time in which to find an employer willing to sponsor their application as a skilled migrant.
If they are unsuccessful in that attempt, they will have to return to their country of origin.
The overhaul of the system will set a new list of occupations in demand.
The new system is expected to favour skilled workers including nurses, general medical practitioners, mechanical engineers and teachers instead of groups such as cooks and hairdressers.
Employers are supportive. Yesterday, Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said: ''The changes should result in a better connect between permanent residency and addressing Australia's critical skills needs.''
In a frank speech to be delivered this morning, Immigration Minister Chris Evans will argue that the skilled migration program has not been working in Australia's economic or demographic interests.
''The program has been delivering self-nominated migrants from a narrow range of occupations with poor to moderate English language skills who struggle to find employment in their nominated occupation,'' Senator Evans will argue.
Senator Evans will acknowledge the impact of the changes on foreign students, but argue they can still gain residency if they gain qualifications in professions that are in demand.
He said the current tensions and misunderstandings have been made worse by unscrupulous migration agents.
''[These agents] have been misleading many international students into believing that a course in Australia gave them an automatic entitlement to permanent residence,'' Senator Evans said. ''It does not, and it will not.''
Senator Evans will also argue that the government supports skilled migration and continues to want migrants, ''be they from India, the United Kingdom or China - our three largest source countries or elsewhere''.
''We want skilled migrants on terms that work both for Australia and for the migrants themselves. We need a program with integrity and direction.''
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Comments
11 comments so far
Now all we need to do is address the overstaying foreign students who apply for visas based on learning and skill sets that Australia does not need.
Hideous | Mlebourne - February 08, 2010, 8:24AM
Far to late for this Rudd you Dudd!. Allowing excessive migration over the last few years has already caused irrepairable damage.... A shortage of housing that has forced prices to unaffordable levels, a public transport system in Melbourne that cannot cope, a significant lack of water resources in most parts of the country, I could go on further, but I don't want touch on any politically sensitive issues, or this blog will become some rant about how Aussies are racist etc. etc.
Abouttime - February 08, 2010, 9:00AM
At last. Kudos to the dept. for taking action. I wonder how long it will take for shonky migration agents to figure out a new scheme to benefit themselves.
comp | brisbane - February 08, 2010, 8:53AM
Finally! Maybe now more young Australian graduates will actually be able to gain employment instead of being undercut by cheap foreign hires.
MJ - February 08, 2010, 9:03AM
Tough talk for the biggest pro immigration / pro populaiton growth government in Australias history. This all political spin. The end game is more and more people in Australia to benefit property developers and rich business people. Im sick of hearing this spin. Dick Smith for PM.
Concerned Citizen | Melbourne - February 08, 2010, 9:09AM
About time, I know that in my work of security, so many accountants, engineers, supposed chemists, etc mostly of Indian origin are working as security officers.They accept work with dodgy companies who pay a flat rate without ever any penalties for night shift or weekend rate and it's making it impossible to get jobs that pay decent wages. Then they get to bring their families over by entering the country through the backdoor. Meanwhile, genuine refugees are made to go the hardway.
I'm glad there is a crackdown, I have nothing against Indian students but plenty against those who cheat the system and then run campaigns against our country that is unfounded. I hope the leaders of this anti-Australian campaign are aware of what they've done.
Allan | Werribee - February 08, 2010, 9:19AM
The skilled migration program has brought very talented people to Australia. These talented people have contributed a lot with Australian's economic. It is so unfair to say that skilled migration program has not been working in Australia's economic or demographic interests. Skilled migrants have come to Australia along with their huge experience and knowledge that was acquired overseas which means the Australian Government didn't pay a cent for it. (Just got it for its economic benefits).
I understand that the government wants to protect locals and their jobs through the crackdown on skilled migrants but DO NOT use the wrong reason to do so. We are a great contribution to Australia.
Talented | Melbourne - February 08, 2010, 9:31AM
I totally understand the adv and disadv with the skilled migration program as I was migrated through this program.
I do support the Gov to review the scheme from time to time as the world does keep changing. Of course, I don't support the Gov to totally shut down this scheme.
The main things are the Gov has to find out what is the right number and what are the best suitable requirements to the country and the applicants.
casual public affairs commentator - February 08, 2010, 12:04PM
The are good migrants and bad migrants. Migrants who contribute to the economy, and migrants who rip off the wellfare system. I have seen both. Anyone who thinks all migrants are good for the nation certainly needs to expose himself to a wider demographic spectrum.
skiboo | Melbourne - February 08, 2010, 12:22PM
A shortage of housing that has forced prices to unaffordable levels - many factors have forced housing prices up, ever increasing bank credit being the main culprit.
a public transport system in Melbourne that cannot cope, - caused primarily by decades of neglect, not an increase in commuters (it didn't cope 10 years ago either)
a significant lack of water resources in most parts of the country, - primarily caused by drought coupled with (again) decades of neglect (open/leaky water channels).
I could go on further, but I don't want touch on any politically sensitive issues, or this blog will become some rant about how Aussies are racist - unfortunately a lot of Aussies are racist.
Julian Wearne | Melbourne - February 08, 2010, 11:42AM
评论
贴好后发现有人已经捷足先登了，但是请看新闻后的跟帖，可以反应出普通澳洲人的心态。
评论
Rudd 总算是明白了一回。
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