Australia implements the proposed immigration changes

As per the changes, more emphasis will be laid on work experience, high-level educational qualifications, and advanced English-language skills.

All these changes have been affected to select the bright candidates that can add to the Australian economy.

According to Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, “These changes to the points test are an important next step in the series of reforms to the skilled migration programme announced by the Government in February this year.”

“The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration programme that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australia's interests in the medium to long term,” he added.

New points test system
The changes will have a strong impact on skilled independent immigration. According to the new point system, no points will be allotted for a particular occupation.

This system will be applicable to the following visas:

• Subclass 885 Skilled Independent
• Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
• Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
• Subclass 175 Skilled Independent
• Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
• Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored

According to the age, the points will be allotted as:

• Age 25-32: 30 Points
• Age 18-24 and 33-39: 25 Points
• Age 40-44: 15 Points
• Age 45-49: 0 Points

Changes not welcomed by Indians
Federation of Indian Association of Victoria (FIAV) has strongly opposed the changes.

IAV president, Vasan Srinivasan said, “To address the skills shortage of the economy the government should allow persons skilled to do the work and understand the language at a level of competency that they can understand directions given by their employers.”

These changes will likely put a barrier on the Indians migrating to Australia, he said.