Employers invited to comment on changes to skilled migration occupation lists

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Department of Jobs and Small Business has opened a public consultation period requesting feedback from employers and other immigration stakeholders on possible changes to skilled migration occupation lists.

What does the change mean? The Department has published a traffic light bulletin indicating the occupations under consideration for change. The public comment period closes 30 June 2018, and comments will be taken into consideration before the changes are finalised.

• Implementation timeframe: Between now and 30 June 2018.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary and permanent skilled migration categories, including the Temporary Skills Shortage visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
• Who is affected: Australian companies sponsoring skilled foreign workers.
• Business impact: Currently, several changes to the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are under consideration; a smaller number are under consideration for the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• Next steps: Companies and individuals who may be impacted by the changes may submit comments through this Department website.

Background: The Department of Jobs and Small Business undertakes regular reviews of Australia’s Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL). The Department recently published a traffic light bulletin, highlighting changes that are under consideration, including:

• Moving 17 occupations off the STSOL, including a number of occupations in the manufacturing, telecommunications and entertainment industries.
• Moving three occupations —Management Accountant, Agricultural Consultant and Civil Engineering Technician—from the MLTSSL to the STSOL.
• Moving occupation job, Footballer, from the STSOL to the MLTSSL.
• Moving two occupations —Dentist and Anaesthetist—from the STSOL to the ROL.

Interested parties are invited to provide comments on any potential changes to the occupations lists, whether or not the Department has proposed them in the traffic light bulletin.

BAL Analysis: BAL encourages employers to review the traffic light bulletin and submit comments to make their concerns known to the Department and to help shape the occupation lists that determine eligibility for skilled workers. BAL can assist in the process.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 0534021

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