Key Points
- A new migration deal is set to address Western Australia's skill shortages.
- The Western Australian and Commonwealth governments have signed a deal for 10,000 skilled migration places for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
- WA's regional areas have historically attracted many new migrants: Professor Amanda Davies
Nearly 17 years ago, when Sumit Sindwani migrated from the UK to Australia, he opted to call Perth home.
"I didn't want to move to a bigger city like Sydney or Melbourne, so Brisbane and Perth were among the few places where I could see myself thriving," Sindwani said.
Sumit Sindwani lives in Perth, Western Australia, with his family. Credit: Supplied
"WA has provided numerous opportunities and allowed me to maintain a good work-life balance," he said.
But despite the high quality of life on offer, he pointed out that the state faces a significant challenge.
"Many people from WA are drawn to larger cities and there are ongoing staff shortages in various sectors of the state. The government's decision to allocate additional visas is a highly positive move and will greatly benefit not only the state but also the community," he said.
Western Australia's new migration deal
WA Premier Roger Cook recently announced a new agreement with the federal government to provide 10,000 skilled migration places for the 2024-25 period.
The initiative aims to address critical skill shortages in key sectors like construction and healthcare, while stimulating the state’s economy and boosting the residential construction industry.
West Australian Premier Roger Cook at a press conference in Perth. Source: AAP / RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAPIMAGE
"I thank the Albanese Government for recognising our State's unique position and the need to attract in-demand workers through a variety of channels to ensure our economy continues to thrive and we can build more homes for Western Australians."
In response to a query from SBS Hindi, Karen Ho, Director General of WA's Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), explained that the 10,000 skilled migration places are split evenly between the WA Designated Area Migration Agreement () and the State Nominated Migration Program ().
"WA needs more skilled workers to meet the growing demand from businesses and industries, especially in building and construction, healthcare, social assistance, tourism, hospitality, and education and training," Ho said.
The WA Designated Area Migration Agreement and the State Nominated Migration Program have each been allocated 5,000 skilled migration places. Source: SBS
"Training local workers will always be a priority, and we are doing this in record numbers through initiatives like fee-free TAFE. However, additional migration places will significantly support our ability to sustain and diversify WA's economy," she said.
The state has already opened its 2024-25 migration program to applicants, offering 3,000 places for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and 2,000 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa.
Expert's viewpoint
Professor Amanda Davies, a demography expert at the University of Western Australia, said WA's regional areas have long been a popular destination for new migrants.
Professor Amanda Davies, University of Western Australia Credit: Supplied
"New migrants often learn about regional WA from their family and friend networks and, in particular, those who have already migrated. To this end, the regional WA diaspora is hugely important in influencing other migrants decisions to move to regional WA, and moreover, particular towns in regional WA.
"Communities in areas like the Wheatbelt take pride in their rich migrant histories, and migrants' decisions to move to regional WA are often influenced by family and friends already living there."
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Davies noted that the increasing involvement of the Indian diaspora in WA politics and the growing celebration of Indian culture reflect broader recognition of the social contributions made by Indian migrants.
Migration agent Neha Singh said WA is fast becoming a popular destination for many onshore temporary visa holders, including Indians who are finding it challenging to stay in the country.
"Numerous visa changes for international students are among the factors now compelling these temporary visa holders to consider WA," she observed.
"WA is offering more visa opportunities, and securing a visa there is relatively easier compared to states like Victoria or NSW, as it has fewer restrictions, such as work experience requirements.
"WA is currently facing significant labour shortages across several sectors, creating a strong demand for skilled workers. If you have the right skills, this state is a great option for obtaining a visa."
Under the SNMP, which allows WA to invite and nominate skilled migrants for visas under the Subclass 190 and 491, 2,350 visa places were allocated in 2023-24.
The Indian diaspora in Australia has been growing, with the 2021 Census reporting 61,088 residents born in India, an increase from 49,384 in the previous census.
