SBS reported that the Gratan Institute warned that Australia's cumbersome visa requirements are reducing its attractiveness to global migrant talents, while over-reliance on low-skilled labor has put them in arrears and exploitation.

Introduction to Gratan Institute. (Photo: Grattan Institute's official website)

[Australia Network compiled report] The Grattan Institute, an Australian think tank, recently submitted a report to the Federal Parliament, calling for reforms to the "outdated" immigration system. The Gratan Institute warned that Australia's cumbersome visa requirements are reducing its attractiveness to global migrant talents, while over-reliance on low-skilled labor has put them in arrears and exploitation. The report urges the federal government to attract the world's best and smart talents, improve Australia's downturn in economic growth, and pave the way for Australia to head toward a net zero emission economic model. Brendan Coates, director of economic policy projects at Gratan, said that Australia's complex and outdated immigration plans cannot keep up with the times, which will also lead to delays in applications. He believes that Australia should not aim for permanent residence visas, because the talent shortage often only lasts for one or two years. In addition, the Australian Bureau of Statistics career list also ignores the emerging careers that Australia needs.

Gratan recommends major reforms to employer-guaranteed visas. Currently, temporary skilled immigration visas are targeted at workers with annual income of more than AU$53,900, while Gratan believes that the lower limit of income for temporary guarantees should be raised to AU$70,000 and the lower limit of permanent residence income to AU$85,000. Coates said that measuring skills by income is a simpler system.

Once the recommendation is adopted, Gratan expects the Australian budget to increase by $125 billion over the next 30 years and provide clear standards for employers while providing a clear path to immigration for workers.

Gratan also called on the immigration system to pay attention to the skill level of the deputy applicant (spouse or other family members), and give priority to single immigrants or high-skilled partners both parties.

Gratan also recommended abolishing business innovation and investment immigration, because the program attracts skilled immigrants with older age and incomes below employer guaranteed . (Compiled by Cao Lize)

Edited by: Yin Sha