Message from the Minister
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A message from the minister Chris Bowen MP |
Australia welcomes migrants, both temporary and permanent. Almost 490 000 people entered Australia last year for a long-term or permanent stay. Many of those who come temporarily decide to remain in Australia under the permanent migration programs and make Australia their home.
Like many countries, Australia faces an ageing population and will continue to need skilled people to meet our future challenges and maintain our strong economic growth.
Our nation's priority is for migrants who have skills to fill positions that cannot be readily filled in Australia and that provide migrants with strongest future employment prospects. The employer sponsored and state sponsored programs greatly meet these aims.
The general skilled migration scheme is also tailored to young highly skilled people who are not sponsored for specific positions, but who also have good long-term employment prospects.
Migrants come to Australia to enjoy the climate and our lifestyle; our welcoming society made up of people from more than 200 different countries and cultures; the security Australia has to offer; as well as the work opportunities and future prospects for them and their families.
Good opportunities also exist for many migrants in Australia's regional areas where they can enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and the unique experiences that many of Australia's regional areas have to offer. I encourage your readers to consider the opportunities in regional Australia.
The Australian Immigration Book provides helpful information and advice for people who are considering migrating to Australia.
I also encourage readers to visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.immi.gov.au for more detailed information about coming to Australia.
Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
