Australia's intake of permanent migrants has dropped to its lowest level in 10 years

Australia’s permanent migration intake has fallen to its lowest level in at least 10 years as the coronavirus pandemic causes visa processing delays and major disruptions to international travel.

New figures reveal the number of permanent visa approvals reached 140,366 in the 2019/20 financial year to 30 June.

The number of approvals falls well below the government's planning ceiling of 160,000, and is down from the 10-year average of 175,000 permanent visas each year.

By comparison, there were some 160,000 permanent visas issued in the last financial year before the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest figures showed 90,499 people had their visas approved while they were in Australia, compared to 84,260 the previous year.

The new figures showed 70 per cent of permanent pathway visas had been granted through the skilled stream.

2 weeks ago, the government announced a new priority skill list to lure specific temporary migrants to Australia, including nurses, doctors, construction managers and software engineers.

Those who fall under the 17 designated categories will be prioritised for a travel exemption allowing them to enter Australia, but will still be required to complete the 14-day supervised quarantine at their own expense.

The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:

Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)

Construction Project Manager (133111)

Mechanical Engineer (233512)

General Practitioner (253111)

Resident Medical Officer (253112)

Psychiatrist (253411)

Medical Practitioner nec (253999)

Midwife (254111)

Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)

Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)

Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)

Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)

Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)

Registered Nurses nec (254499)

Developer Programmer (261312)

Software Engineer (261313)

Maintenance Planner (312911)

If you require any more info or need assistance with any visa type please get in touch with me at info@radiantmigration.com.au or visit www.radiantmigration.com.au and contact me via Contact us page.

Roshani Joshi

Registered Migration Agent; MARN: 2015750

Director

Radiant Migration Australia Pty Ltd

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