CEDA, the Centre for Economic Development in Australia, has recently released an interesting report on “Effects of Temporary Migration”.

Holders of TSS visas, students, working holiday makers and New Zealand citizens make up almost 2 million temporary migrants currently in Australia. Those of working age account for less than 1% of Australia’s labour force of 13.5 million.

The report identified the following characteristics of temporary migrants:

• More than half work in four industries: accommodation and food services; information, media and telecommunications; professional, scientific and technical services; other services (personal care and mechanical repairs);
• The top four occupations based on visa grant were Developer Programmer, ICT Business Analyst, University Lecturer, Cook;
• The average base salary is $95,000 (based on 2017-18 data);
• The top three citizenships of visa holders (excluding New Zealand) are United Kingdom, India and the Philippines;
• 96% are under the age of 50 years (compared with 67% of the Australian population).

The report found that there was no evidence that temporary skilled migrants displace local workers and undercut local terms and conditions – despite ongoing suggestions to the contrary.

Anyone interested in the history of temporary migration in Australia, and recommendations as to how the current program could be improved, is encouraged to read the CEDA report here.

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