Temporary changes to the State’s migration program have been made in an effort to bring more skilled labour to Western Australia.
The changes include waiving the $200 application fee; halving the requirement to have an employment contract from 12 months to six months; and reducing requirements for applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds.
Also, additional English requirements for professional and manager occupations have been removed and work experience requirements reduced.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the changes to the skilled migration pathway were expected to be implemented over the course of the next month, and would follow the feedback he received during his recent mission to Europe and the Middle East.
“WA’s strong economic growth, very low unemployment rate and high demand for skilled workers mean there is a need to attract in-demand workers through a variety of channels to help sustain our economy,” Mr McGowan said.
“The changes to the State Nominated Migration Program will build on our work to boost skilled migration in areas of high demand by making migration to WA easier.”
He said he had also been successful in advocating for WA’s needs nationally, and the Australian Jobs and Skills Summit would give him a further opportunity to address issues managed by the Commonwealth Government.
“I will continue to work to boost our State’s access to skilled workers, from skilled migration, investment in the care sector and boosting workforce participation, to targeted incentives to encourage retirees back into the workforce,” the Premier said.
