A Note on Australia's Immigration Policy

The recent economic downturn suffered in Australia has caused some modifications to Australia's normally aggressive immigration pro? gramme. The merger of the former Australian Department for Immigra? tion with the Department of Labor perhaps symbolizes the new emphasis of the current programme. The reunion of spouses, future spouses, dependent children and parents still has the highest priority in the government scheme. The recruitment of the other categories, as shown in Table I, has been substantially curtailed. Category B applications on hand are being processed but no further applications accepted. Cate? gory C applicants, however, can still be considered. Despite Aus? tralia's generally high level of unemployment there are still shortages of some worker skills. Recruitment for example continues for skilled metal and electrical tradesmen. Professional workers, such as doctors and teachers, are also sought. Table II provides some indication of the importance of each category

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