The primary criticism of Australia's immigration policy is that it prioritises transitory migrants.
The Labour government has been adamant about perhaps doing away with temporary immigration in favour of permanent residence both before and after the federal election.
What distinguishes a temporary visa from a permanent visa?
There are both permanent and temporary visas available right now. Temporary visas allow the holder to stay in Australia for a set period of time before having to return to their home country, whereas permanent visas allow the bearer to stay in Australia indefinitely and apply for citizenship if qualified. The visa that has been issued determines how long a person with a temporary visa may remain in Australia.
The drawbacks of transient migration
Regrettably, temporary migration has exposed Australia's workplace. Particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic was this obvious. Many immigrants on temporary visas left Australia when its borders closed, creating a labour shortage that is still felt throughout the nation. Short-Term Migration
Obtaining a visa to visit Australia currently takes two to three years, but once one is obtained, immigrants can stay for a few years before being forced to return home. Australia falls short in a time when there is fierce rivalry for talent around the world and nations like the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand are making every effort to welcome immigrants. Australia's immigration system is convoluted, pricey, and has exceptionally high wait times for visa processing. The Labor Government has acknowledged that these elements by themselves have not helped Australia's reputation as a welcoming nation for immigrants to call home.
What does putting permanent migration front and centre mean?
Labor shortages will be lessened by permanent immigration, especially in professions like nursing, care for the elderly and disabled, and engineering, to name a few.
The Labor Government's decision to expand the number of permanent migration permits available in 2022–23 from 160,000 to 195,000 solidifies its position in favour of this move.
For both migrants and Australia, permanent residency has significant advantages. After being given permanent residency, a migrant can:
- continue to live in Australia forever
- working for any company
- sponsoring family
- use Centrelink's other benefits, such as Medicare
- seek for citizenship in Australia
- undertake research
- buy a house
Australia gains from permanent residence just as much as immigrants do. For employers, permanent residence offers a more dependable, permanent labour. It also helps increase the population and generates income for the Australian economy.
For Australia to become a preferred destination for immigrants, the migration system must be competitive. Reducing the focus on short-term migrants in favour of permanency and citizenship is a step in the right direction.
