On 2nd September,2020, the Government has announced the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) consisting of 17 occupations. It was based on advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies which will be reviewed regularly. It is seen in the official statement that the occupations were chosen after careful analysis of recent changes to the internet vacancy index, changes in employment, and longer-term stability in the labour market for individual occupations.
Although existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed accordingly, priority will be given to those applications in occupations on the PMSOL. This development is in furtherance to response towards COVID pandemic. It is to comply with need for key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover. The included occupations are mainly in the field of health care, construction, and IT sectors.
Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense
Along with PMSOL, a strengthened labour market testing requirement was also announced. In addition to the current requirements of two national advertisements, employers must also advertise their vacancy on the Government’s Job Active website. It is stated that the new priority skills list and strengthened labour market testing will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to return to Australia to fill urgent skills needs in critical sectors, helping to create Australian jobs and rebuild Australia’s economy.
The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:
• Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
• Construction Project Manager (133111)
• Mechanical Engineer (233512)
• General Practitioner (253111)
• Resident Medical Officer (253112)
• Psychiatrist (253411)
• Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
• Midwife (254111)
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
• Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
• Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
• Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
• Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
• Registered Nurses NEC (254499)
• Developer Programmer (261312)
• Software Engineer (261313)
• Maintenance Planner (312911)