Number of Approved Cases

The Australia's Migration Program figures are made up of the total number of visas issued overseas, plus the number of permanent residence approvals for people who have come to Australia as temporary entrants, and then applied to remain permanently:

1997-98 Total 1998-99 Total 1999-00 Total 2000-01 projected 2001-02 Planned 67,100 67,900 70,200 79,000 85,000

Fair and Open

For over twenty years, Australian governments have promoted a non-discriminatory immigration policy. This means that any person can apply to migrate to Australia from any country in the world, no matter what their sex, colour, ethnic origin or religion.

People can apply to migrate through Australian consular offices either directly or with the assistance of a registered migration agent. A number of steps have been taken to make Australia's immigration programs fairer and less vulnerable to abuse; ensuring all applicants are given a "fair go". If a person satisfies Australia's selection criteria, he or she stands an equal chance of being successful.

Business People

Australia welcomes highly experienced business people who can bring their global expertise and their capital to Australia. Business people and those with skills can apply to migrate through one of the following categories of the Migration Program: Independent, Employer Nomination, Business Skills or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. Independent migrants are those applicants whose education, skills and ready "employability" will contribute to the Australian economy. They make up the major part of the skills component of the Program.

Skilled People

Australia's increasing involvement in international markets has led to greater emphasis being given to the "skill" component of Australia's Migration Program. Skilled migrants can help offset specific skill shortages, and they expand the size and quality of the Australian workforce.

The Business Skills category is intended to attract business people to settle and establish a new business or to become an owner or part owner of an existing business and to take an active role in the business in Australia.

The Employer Nomination category covers skilled people nominated for a specific skilled position by an Australian employer who has not been able to fill a vacancy from the local labour market or through training. Another component, a "Labour Agreement" granting permanent residency for certain skilled workers is available.

In all cases, the ability to speak English is important so that migrants can quickly become active in the workforce. The Government actively supports programs which help new arrivals improve their language skills.

Temporary Residence Business people needing to come to Australia for genuine business purposes and highly skilled specialists coming for work may obtain temporary residence in Australia. Temporary stay in Australia has been made more accessible to skilled and business people who provide tangible benefits for Australia through skills and technology transfer, or through specialised overseas business knowledge.

Australia's Promising Future

Australia is truly a culturally diverse and racially tolerant country. The diversity and cohesion of the country is a tribute to its ability to welcome and absorb people from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Australia continues to welcome people with the right skills and attitudes. This book gives an overview of what Australia has to offer - and how new migrants will benefit by participating in and contributing to the future of this great country.