Skilled temporary migration from Asia-Pacific countries to Australia

Abstract

Migration policy in Australia has always emphasized the permanent settlement of skilled migrants. It is only in the last ten years, since the introduction of the temporary business entry (long-stay) 457 visa in 1996, that skilled temporary migration has become an increasingly important element of international migration to Australia. This paper examines the Asia-Pacific region as a source of skilled temporary migration to Australia. This is based on an examination of trend statistics on visa grants and temporary residents by country of origin published by the Department of Immigration. Following this overview, the paper compares skilled temporary migrants from Asia-Pacific countries with those from non-Asia-Pacific countries to investigate whether the Asia-Pacific migrants are selective of particular demographic or human capital characteristics. This analysis is based on data from a survey of 457 visa holders that was conducted by the authors in 2004. The paper also compares the reasons for migration, employment situation and return migration/permanent residence intentions of migrants from Asia-Pacific countries with those of migrants from non-Asia-Pacific countries. The paper concludes with a discussion of the human resource and policy implications of the findings from these analyses for the Asia-Pacific sending countries and for Australia.