Australia’s government has announced plans to work with employers under Emergency Migration Agreements (EMAs) to bring in temporary skilled workers from overseas to fill the gaps in the labour market created by the country’s mining boom.
With $380 billion of new investment planned for resource projects and a predicted a shortage of 36,000 tradespeople by 2015, the government says it will implement all of the recommendations of the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce report, including Enterprise Migration Agreements (EMAs).
EMAs will be for ‘mega’ projects only - those costing at least $2 billion to build and employing more than 1,500 workers. All overseas workers employed under EMAs will be on 457 visas (Temporary Business Long Stay) and must be paid at least as well as an Australian doing the same job.
A labour market spokesperson from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) commented: “It is crucial that construction on these projects is not delayed due to the lack of key skilled workers. Skills shortages in the resources sector can quickly spread to our major cities.”
The spokesperson said that access to overseas workers under EMAs will help to “ensure the workforce needs of these projects are met, ensuring economic and employment benefits for all Australians… without undercutting local wages.”
The 457 visa is Australia’s most popular temporary skilled migrant category, and has already seen a dramatic increase in successful applications as workers pour into the country to fill vital skills gaps. DIAC has revealed that the number of applications granted for the 457 skilled visa program reached 42,840 in the 11 months to the end of May - a 38.3% rise on the same period last year.
Data shows that 20% of new migrants on 457 visas went into the mining and construction sectors, where demand was being driven by the massive projects in WA and Queensland.
Construction jobs in WA for 457 visa holders has more than doubled over the past 11 months, to 2,160 from 1,060 and mining jobs were also on the rise. In Queensland, construction jobs shot up to 1,040 from 580. With $430 billion worth of resources projects in the pipeline, this reliance on skilled migrants is set to grow.
More Information
- Get help with your Australian visa at www.workingin-visa.com/australia
- Find out if you are eligible for an Australian visa at www.workingin-visa.com/australia
- Search for jobs in Australia at www.workingin-australia.com
- Learn more about the 457 Visa at www.workingin-australia.com