Should Australia increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers?
Skilled temporary work visas are usually given to foreign scientists, engineers, programmers, architects, executives, and other positions or fields where demand outpaces supply. Most businesses argue that hiring skilled foreign workers allows them to competitively fill positions which are in high demand. In 2016 the Migration Council announced a proposal where students trained at US and UK universities and colleges could apply for work visas in Australia. The students are allowed to stay up to four years on temporary visas and then apply for permanent citizenship. The Migration Council estimates this will add 1.6 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product through 2050. Opponents argue that skilled immigrants decrease middle class wages and job tenure.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Response rates from 81k Australia voters.
40% Increase |
40% Decrease |
37% Increase |
26% Decrease |
2% Increase, our economy relies on businesses hiring the highest skilled workers at the lowest cost |
9% Decrease, and the government should provide more incentives to prepare our citizens for these jobs |
6% Decrease, companies are currently taking advantage of this program to decrease wages |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 81k Australia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 81k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@4SV8NC64yrs4Y
Increase. Do know how many darkies you can house in a 20 ft x 20 foot tin shed? A bloody lot! And you can charge them more than their wages for board. This also helps keep wages low.
@B4THX921 day1D
Pause the current regime and review its effectiveness - it is not working. Too many high-skilled immigrants are working in low-skilled occupations
@B4F388C3wks3W
Increase, there should be no limit for high-skilled migration, only low-skilled work needs protection from predatory competition
@B4BNS473wks3W
The temporary skills shortage visa should be regularly reviewed to ensure that the government are bringing people in who will contribute to Australia.
@B4BSKMW3wks3W
We should be investing in Australians to fill the gap and having our own high skilled workers instead of importing them
@B4BRR8B3wks3W
Increase however much more regulated and bridging courses should be done to prevent the buying of degrees purely to enter Australia
@B3R5KQR1mo1MO
In areas where we have a clear shortage of skilled workers, then yes. It should never be at the expense of Australian workers and should be carefully monitored to prevent companies from exploiting this programme
@B2WGS2X2mos2MO
Neither, but the government should implement more regulations on businesses to prevent exploitation of the program. The government should also increase incentives for the hiring and training of Australian workers.
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