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 78.7k Australia voters.
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See how importance of “Skilled Immigrants” has changed over time for 78.7k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@4SV8NC63yrs3Y
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.
@9G3HCKJ7mos7MO
Neither increase nor decrease, however companies should aim to train/hire skilled workers who are already in the country
@92LTWLD2yrs2Y
The same amount as now, but more should be done to look in to each person to make sure they are here for the right reasons.
@92HRDBS2yrs2Y
No aid help Australians first housing jobs
@92GNRT32yrs2Y
We have a level of global responsibility and should choose accordingly.
@92FRZVK2yrs2Y
Ensure that all Australians have been considered before outsourcing from other countries
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