New skilled occupation list delayed due to COVID-19

An update to the skilled migration occupation lists which was expected to be announced in March 2020 has been delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Yeni bütçede yıllık sürekli oturum hakkı veren vize sayısında 160 bin sınırı korundu. Source: Getty Images

Highlights

• 11 occupations have been flagged for removal
• 17 occupations have been flagged for movement between lists
• 4 occupations have been flagged for addition to the lists.

The announcement was made by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, which regularly reviews the skilled migration occupation lists to ensure they are responsive to genuine skill needs across Australia.

'Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement on updates to the skilled migration occupation lists has been delayed,' the department said.

Changes flagged to 38 occupations for the new skilled occupation list

The Department outlined the proposed changes in its Traffic Light Bulletin in December 2019. 

11 occupations have been flagged for removal, 17 occupations have been flagged for movement between lists and four occupations have been flagged for addition to the lists.

Six occupations have been recommended for a salary caveat.

“A Traffic Light Bulletin gives us an indication of which occupations are under review. If some occupations have been flagged for removal, it is not necessary that they will be removed but there are high chances of their removal,” Rohit Mohan, a registered migration agent told SBS Hindi.

Mr Mohan says the traffic bulletin by the Department of Employment indicates the Skilled Occupation List will see only minor changes.

“I don’t see major changes to the current Skilled Occupations List. Only a few occupations have been flagged for removal.

“However, two occupations which have a significant uptake among Indian citizens – Hairdresser and Community Worker, have been flagged for removal. If these occupations are removed, it could have an impact on many hopefuls who qualify under these occupations,” Mr Mohan says.

A traffic light bulletin is for consultation purpose and does not represent a decision of Government.

‘If an occupation does not appear on the Traffic Light Bulletin then no change is proposed to the current status of that occupation,’ the department said.

Take a look at the changes proposed:

Occupations flagged for removal:

Department of Employment

Occupations flagged for movement between lists:

Occupations flagged for addition:

Department of Employment

Occupations that are staying on their current list but have been recommended for a salary caveat:

Department of Employment

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Disclaimer: We’d like to point out that the information contained in this segment is general and is not specific advice. If you would like accurate information relevant to your situation, you should ask a registered migration agent.