To better suit the requirements of the Australian economy, the government of Australia has brought about certain changes in its policies pertaining to immigration. This article gives an overview on the same. The various mends made in the Skilled Migrants program include the following:

• Those applications that were filed before 1st September 2007 would be abjured. However, the application for the same would be refunded back to the applicants by the Department of Immigration and Australian Citizenship.
• The MODL or the Migration Occupations in Demand List would be removed completely. Instead, a Skilled Occupations List or the SOL would be brought out by an independent body known as the Skills Australia. This list would be reviewed yearly. This list would be introduced in the middle of this year. It would mainly cater to those occupations and trades that are of high value. Additionally, the CSL or the Critical Skills List which was introduced in early 2009 would also be ruled out completely.
• The points based system would also be evaluated completely to see that the best of the candidates are selected. As of now, points are granted based on the academic qualifications, skills in English and work experience. Post assessment, these points would also consider granting more points to some occupations than those of others. Other similar aspects would also be dwelled into.
• Few professions would be outnumbered more than the others so that the relevant skills are met for the same. For this, changes would be brought about in the Migration Act so that the Minister would be given due power for set for the maximum number of visas in an occupations on a need basis.
• Emphasis would be laid on immigration policies which are more specific to state and territories. This would cater in a better way to all the skill requirements of each state. Also, it would make the state responsible for selecting its own candidates. With this, applicants nominated under the state program would be given priority for processing.

To know more regarding these amendments, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/whats-new.htm