The government wants to revise the points test for skilled migrants

Testing of potential migrants to Australia to obtain visas will be overhauled for the first time in more than a decade as part of a revamp of the country’s immigration system.

The federal government has signaled it plans to reform the skilled migrant points test, which determines who can come to Australia, following a decision to reduce immigration numbers.

A discussion paper has been released highlighting possible changes to the points test, which would be the first update to the system since 2012.

A review of Australia’s migration system published in December called for the points test to focus on characteristics associated with migrants successfully finding skilled work.

It also called for the test to provide greater certainty for future migrants, focusing more on sectors with skills shortages and recognizing younger people.

Home Secretary Clare O’Neil said a reformed points test would help improve the immigration system.

“Our goal is to build a smaller, better planned and more strategic migration system that works for Australia,” she said.

“We are reducing migration levels significantly, we are in the midst of the largest decline in migration numbers in Australia’s history barring war or pandemic.

The strategy outlined ways in which migrant numbers can return to pre-COVID-19 levels, and how net overseas migration can be halved by 2025.

The return of international students and tourists after the pandemic increased net migration abroad to 500,000 in the 2022/2023 financial year.

The review called for a recalibrated points test to “form the core of a future permanent skilled migration program,” with two-thirds of permanent skilled migrants selected using this method.

“We want to ensure that a smaller migration program brings in people who have the skills we need to build Australia’s future,” O’Neil said.

“That’s where the points test really matters.”

The federal government has commissioned the Australian National University to conduct an analysis of the skills that drive success in Australia, as part of its points test reforms.

The discussion paper said that while there would be reforms to the points test, the method should continue to provide pathways for temporary migrants seeking permanent residency or citizenship.

“Having a clear understanding of what it takes to navigate these routes will help temporary migrants build our social fabric and reduce vulnerability to exploitation,” the paper said.

“Getting the points test right is critical to restoring permanent residency at the heart of our migration system and maximizing economic benefit for Australia.”

This article was first published by MONKEY.