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.
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 |
See how support for each position on “Skilled Immigrants” has changed over time for 78.9k Australia voters.
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See how importance of “Skilled Immigrants” has changed over time for 78.9k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@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.
@9QZJSXK2wks2W
Education and training for citizens should be increased and skilled visas decreased as our own skills shortage is resolved. Imported labour is too susceptible to exploitation.
@9QYFJY72wks2W
Increase, but there should be legislation to stop companies from taking advantage of this program to decrease wages
@9PLHYF21mo1MO
Increase as long as qualification and education standards are l, at minimum, to what is provided here and that they have the same values as Australians.
@92BKBGS2yrs2Y
Should provide equal pay for all workers and bring overseas workers where there is a shortage
@9294HWC2yrs2Y
Increase, but have tighter regulations on companies claiming skills lack and increase training availability for those areas.
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