By Romy Cayabyab

In my article about Australia’s 457 visa program last month, I wrote that “Australia cannot be any different from other countries tending to be more inward looking in times of recession.”

Skilled migrant numbers slashed

During the weekend, SMH reported that next week’s federal budget will reduce the general skilled migration intake for next financial year by about 7,000 to 108,000.

The cuts, the second reduction in as many months, would bring the total reduction to 25,500 representing 20 per cent of the skilled migration program.

Last month, unemployment rate fell from 5.7 per cent to 5.4 per cent which based on estimates means an increase of 27,000 jobs.

The SMH reported however that the Rudd Government “believes this is an aberration and the budget will forecast an unemployment rate of well above 8 per cent for next financial year, prompting the cut to the migrant intake.”

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan in an interview with SMH had confirmed that, despite the slight improvement in recent unemployment data, ‘the outlook is uncertain.’

If unemployment rate would be at the projected 8 per cent or more, it will be awhile before Australia can restore its previous policy on the number of skilled migrants intake. We have received reports that, on account of the recession, we have some kababayans with approved 457 visas who are still waiting for departure to Australia. // Romy Cayabyab

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