We wish to express our concerns regarding the current nomination process for skilled migration in South Australia. We believe there is an urgent need to prioritise onshore applicants, especially South Australian graduates and skilled workers, over offshore candidates.

Background:

Onshore skilled applicants, particularly those who have graduated from South Australian institutions, have made significant investments in their education and are already contributing to their nominated occupations. Many have also started families, with children born in South Australia. Their deep connections to the community and continued contributions to the local economy make them ideal candidates for permanent residency. It is essential that their dedication and investment in our state are recognised.

Additionally, we note that many applicants were not invited last year because priority was given to those whose visas were expiring. These same individuals now face expiring visas again this year and policies have now changed and they are not being prioritised. Consequently, they have been eligible for two years without receiving an invitation, despite their valuable contributions to South Australia’s workforce.

Concerns:

Visa processing times for offshore candidates can range from 18 to 36 months. By the time their applications are processed, the occupations they were nominated for may no longer be in shortage. Furthermore, many offshore applicants may prefer to settle in larger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, where job opportunities are more plentiful, and some may never even arrive in South Australia, using the SA nomination merely as a pathway to enter the country. This not only undermines South Australia’s efforts to attract skilled workers but also delays the resolution of workforce demands.

Recent changes in visa rules have left 485 visa holders in a precarious situation. They are now unable to apply for student visas, trapping them in immigration limbo despite their skills and ongoing contributions. This uncertainty affects many individuals eager to continue their lives and careers in South Australia.

Call to Action:

In light of these challenges, we strongly urge the South Australian Immigration Department to prioritise onshore applicants, particularly those who have graduated in South Australia and skilled workers who have established their lives here. By doing so, South Australia can more effectively address its immediate skill shortages and retain a workforce that is already integrated into our community.

We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to a positive response that will benefit both the local workforce and the long-term growth of South Australia..

Please support this petition to help ensure a fairer and more effective immigration process in South Australia.