Tech Sector in Australia Thriving Thanks to Skilled ICT Migrants

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

Tech Sector in Australia Thriving Thanks to Skilled ICT Migrants

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The Australian Computer Society has published a report. It says that skilled ICT migrants fill a critical gap. They fill it in the country’s tech sector. Regional Australia is seeing notable benefits from recent changes to immigration rules.

New research from the Australian Computer Society found that 80% of skilled ICT migrants get good jobs in Australia’s IT sector. The research also found that over half face complex migration. They face workplace discrimination, visa issues, and a lack of regional IT jobs.

What Age Limit Applies to Immigration to Australia?

People who are 45 years old or older cannot move to Australia permanently. But if you're in this age group and thinking about moving there, there are other ways you can do it. The Government has a new plan for immigration that aims to solve these issues. They say it's the biggest change to immigration rules in a long time.

Opening The Door to Recruiting More Skilled Global Tech Workers

  • For Australia’s tech industry, the best part of the new Migration Strategy is a shift in focus. Now, the focus is on bringing in skilled workers for areas where skills are lacking.

  • This is a shift from the previous period. It was geared only to international students and lower-skilled workers.

  • This shift will help tech firms and other tech-hungry businesses. They will be able to tap a global pool of tech workers. They will use newly created skills paths and visas. 

  • Also, testing will still need to be done in the labor market before hiring foreign workers.

Tech Industry Wins with Faster Processing and Specialist Skills Pathway

  • A new visa category, called the Skills in Demand visa, will offer a Specialist Skills Pathway as one of its options.

  • It is designed to "drive innovation and job creation." It will enable the hiring of highly skilled tech and other workers. They earn over AUD $135,000 (USD $91,692) and will come to Australia.

  • One key part of the visa system overhaul is commitment. The commitment is to create a top service-level agreement for visa processing times. It will cut Australia’s notoriously long waits.

  • Visa processing for the Specialist Skills Pathway will be faster. Approvals are typically granted within seven days.

New Visas to Address Skills Shortages In Tech And Other Industries

  • The Skills in Demand visa will focus on Australia's temporary skilled migration program. It will aim to meet the skills needs of the nation and industry.

  • This will mean bringing in skilled workers from overseas. It will be in areas where Australia has identified skills shortages.

  • The new visa lasts four years. It will let workers switch between employers and industries. They will not be tied to a single employer's sponsorship. 

  • Additionally, it will offer clear routes to permanent residency for those who seek them.

For example, a software engineer has the most common job on the current Temporary Skill Shortage visa. They could switch between employers. They could shift between industries like transport and logistics or financial services. They could do this while still having a path to permanent residence.

What Has Been The Response From Australia’s Tech Sector Till Now?

The tech sector has responded positively to Australia's migration strategy. The Technology Council of Australia says it is a major reform. It is Australia’s peak technology industry body. It will make Australia a global destination for skilled workers. This will happen in the coming years.

Australia is Undergoing Technological And Digital Transformation With The Help of Migrants

The government said in its migration strategy that new technologies are changing workplaces. They are also changing industries and economies. They could improve workplace safety. They could also improve product quality and open new markets. 

Rising living standards and job prospects will depend on Australia’s ability to take up opportunities. These will be in fields like AI and advanced robotics.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Information and Communication Technology visa entail in Australia?

The ICT Professionals Visa is a pathway towards permanent residency in Australia. It uses a points-based system. Meeting specific criteria can qualify you for permanent residency in Australia. You must also show commitment. This is through skilled migration programs.

Which visa offers the easiest way to work in Australia?

Many consider the Subclass 189 visa one of the simplest ways to become an Australian permanent resident. It is designed for skilled individuals without employer sponsorship. It offers a direct path to employment in the country.

What is the age limit for immigrating to Australia?

Individuals aged 45 and above are ineligible to immigrate to Australia. However, there are other routes for older people considering relocation.