How can the government update the migration points system to better emphasise the contribution of migrant engineers? A new video explores four recommendations.
Australia needs more engineers to deliver its projects, and a new Engineers Australia submission to a review into the country’s migration program aims to ensure that the migrant talent industries and companies need is secured moving forward.
Australia has become increasingly reliant on migrant engineers, with overseas-born engineers working in engineering in Australia making up more than half of our engineering capability.
A review of the points test is one of many measures the government is taking to reform the migration system, according to Michael Bell AffillEAust, Policy Lead at Engineers Australia.
“Engineers Australia has long been interested in this discussion,” Bell told create. “The points test can be easily skewed to various outcomes which don’t always lead to employment outcomes.
“The government is also taking a similar view.”
Video editing by Jason Kendirian.
With the dire need for suitably qualified engineers in Australia, there is a need to review the conditions for the issuance of temporary skilled visas to engineers. Some of the conditions are particularly onerous regarding time of employment with one employer, minimum salary etc.
There is also an issue of Australian qualified overseas engineers working in Australia and the time restrictions on the visa.
The point scheme operating now does not recognise higher degrees or the length of employment. Also those in acadamic careers who may be engaged in consultancing work on a part time basis are unable to prove that they have the necessary score within the point scheme. The prime age for employment is when one is between 15-20 years since graduation , who may have 10-25 years of productive work before retiring. Limiting the potential for migration for engineers over 35 (less points on age scale) is something to be looked at.