Migration Cuts

Wed, 13 May, 2009

Australian Government announces further cuts to skilled migration in 2009-10 Budget.

The Australian Government has announced a further cut to Australia's skilled migration program of 6900 people to help protect local jobs during the economic crisis, but it will increase the number of people allowed to migrate to Australia for family reunions.

The latest cut, the second to be made this year, brings the program down to 108,100 places in 2009-10. The Government claims that cuts will not be made to professions on the Critical Skills List.

Meanwhile, the family component of Australia's migration program will be increased by 3800 places to a total of 60,300 in 2009-10.

Overall, the migration program will total 168,700 for 2009-10.