According to a report, the number of visas issued to highly skilled overseas IT personnels sponsored by the employers of Australia, under the 457 visa scheme, has gone up by up to 50% in more than 12 months. The recent Annual Report released by the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Department for the year of 2010-11, says the Australian 457 visas has increased, with 5,430 visas. Besides, this year, the occupation of program developer has also become the top most nominated occupation in the country.
The 457 visa is basically a temporary work visa allowing foreign workers sponsored by an Australian employer to stay in the country for a maximum period of 4 years. This visa, at present, is the most common way for the skilled nationals to immigrate and work in this beautiful Land of Kangaroos.
The recently released report has also found an increased number of visas issued to the IT business analysts, which was 117.6% in August 31, this year, in comparison to last year. Even a jump of 38.6% in the Australian visas, issued to the software engineers can be seen this year.
However, recently, through labour agreements, the government of the country has tightened the supply of 457 visas. Under the labour agreement, the on-hire sector is allowed to provide employment only to the skilled workers, but the process of hiring labor and providing employment has to be managed more closely than before.
Meanwhile, Peter Acheson, the Chief Executive of Peoplebank was quoted as saying that since last year July, the companies in need for overseas specialist with IT skills had increased very fast. He also mentioned that from almost last year mid till now, a drastic rise in demand for people on 457 visas can be seen.
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