Immigration is a Key to Australia’s Economic Recovery

Immigration will play a very crucial role in boosting Australia’s economy post Coronavirus period. Therefore, the Australian government must encourage skilled immigrants to move to Australia and make valuable contributions to its economy.

Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19, many occupations are removed from the Australia skilled occupation list, thousands of visa applications are waiting for their approval, the aged care, and the agricultural sector are seeking workers.

Several immigration restrictions were introduced lately from country-wide lockdown to travel restrictions to ensure the safety of Australians and prevent the spread of the virus. After being touted as the most growing economy for the past 27 years consecutively, Australia is now facing the most significant recession. Approximately 1 million Australians have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Therefore, the government needs to allow foreign workers to immigrate to Australia and take up jobs for which there is a shortage of skilled professionals. Immigrants do not only pay taxes but also generate income as well as employment opportunities in Australia. They contribute to the economy through their specialized skills and add to the country’s diversity and population.

With an aging population and the scarcity of the working-age community, Australia needs enough flow of immigrants to bring its economy back to its shape and lift it out of the dark period. Sectors such as agriculture, IT, horticulture, healthcare, etc. need more workers and are considered essential during Covid-19.

On the other hand, international students are needed to work more than the usual hours and are granted special visas to continue working in their occupations. Working visa holders are also allowed to extend their visas to continue working with their employers.

Last year, the Australian government took vital measures to manage the flow of immigrants to the country. Multiple steps were taken to encourage rural immigration in the country. Industries, such as agriculture and horticulture together generate $2.1 billion per annum in the country. Agriculture is extensively dependent upon temporary or seasonal workers who migrate under a Labour Agreement. The industry needs them to survive and prosper.

Talking about the aged-care, nursing homes seek the highest number of workers to take care of the elderly population. Additionally, there is a need for trained medical staff in these institutions to get the qualified workforce. One must note that changes to the skilled occupation list before the pandemic highlighted the need for more care givers in the country. The October 2020 budget will further confirm the same.

Immigrants with such incredible skills are needed in Australia that will add to the rich culture and diversity of the nation, thus rebuilding Australia in the best possible manner.

So, how immigration plays a crucial role in Australia’s economy?

There must be thorough changes to the immigration program. There must be a balanced approach in the way in what numbers immigrants are allowed in the country. Whether its agriculture, aged care, nursing, or even the IT sector, the focus should only be to attract the ‘best and the brightest’ talent in the country to get over with the pandemic.

It would be much better to resolve the skilled shortages issues in Australia as early as possible. The active migration policies will bring in more skilled workers who would take up necessary jobs, make effective contributions, and pay taxes.

Lastly, applicants waiting for their applications to be approved must get a valid response to their visa and allowed to enter into the country, after following the quarantine period.