As Australia pushes for regional migration, the number of permanent residency grants issued has slumped to its lowest since 2008 – only 160,323 permanent residency were approved in the 2018-2019 financial year. Last time the number was below the 160,000 mark was in 2007-08 (158, 630 grants).
Since 2007 – 08, the number of permanent residency grants increased, the highest numbers being 190,000 grants in 2012 – 13, and 2013 – 14.
According to the government, and reiterated by Immigration Minister David Coleman, the “the push is now on regional migration”. Following through to their words, the government has reduced the cap for the Migration Program from 190,000 to 160,000 in 2019-20.
The government has also dedicated 23,000 places for regional skilled migrants, and just recently announced two new regional visas aimed at encouraging aspiring migrants to move to regional Australia, and reduce the pressure in major cities.
We’re backing regional Australia with two new regional skilled visas and 25,000 permanent migration places. This will ease population pressure in our major capitals and help fill skills gaps in regional economies. pic.twitter.com/zqDN3DIecD
— David Coleman MP (@DavidColemanMP) November 15, 2019
