One of the many unfortunate consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is the drop in inbound migration to Australia. The number of migrants is not quite zero, but for the time being, migration to Australia will remain very difficult whilst the strict lockdown measures remain in place. If you have been dreaming of migrating to Australia, you may feel things are difficult. That does not mean it will stay this way forever. Now can still be a great time to get in touch with a migration law firm like us and find a solution to your visa conundrum.
By the Numbers
In March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison provided an estimate for migration to Australia in 2020. The total 34,000 for the year. If the pandemic had never happened, this number would have been expected to be around 270,000 migrants. There is a chance that you could be eligible to be amongst those limited migrants, but for all intents and purposes the restrictions on border controls have been so rigid that you may need to significantly adjust your plans.
Consequences for Australians
Keeping migrants out of Australia is not only affecting the migrants, but Australians are feeling the pinch, too. One of Australia’s major drivers of population and economic growth comes from immigration, as the immigrants supply much needed skills to our labour market and investment into the local economy.
Can I Migrate to Australia in 2020?
Whilst much of the migration system is in flux, opportunities for success remain. Migration to Australia will pick up again, but when that may happen is really anyone’s guess. Ultimately though, the government has been clear in saying that protecting the health of Australians takes precedence over everything else, including migration.
What Can We Expect Going Forward?
Once borders open up again to international travel and migration, one thing’s clear: migrants will be in huge demand, with the Australian Government stating that the country’s economic recovery will be shaped in large part by immigration.
Government Visa Quotas
Although travel to Australia is severely restricted and migration re,aoms a challenge, the government still retains its existing visa ceiling for the 2020-21 years of 160,000 visas. This may not have seemed promising in 2020, but it’s good to know that there are plenty of visas available for prospective migrants. Of these 160,000 visas, the government had planned to allocate them as follows:
- 108,682 skilled worker visas;
- 47,732 family visas;
- 236 Special Eligibility visas;
- and 3,350 child visas.
Prepare for a Brighter Future
Nobody knows when migration to Australia will return to normal again, but for the time being, it is a great idea to do your homework and plan for a brighter future. Consult as many resources as possible to learn more about how to apply for a visa to Australia and use your time to consult a migration expert to begin preparing your application well in advance.
Visa Plan Lawyers
Get in touch with the friendly and professional migration experts at Visa Plan to learn more about your options for migrating to Australia.