It is predicted that Australia’s net immigration would plummet by near about twenty percent in 2010. For this, the global economic meltdown can be blamed. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship has also made changes to the immigration policies this year. The changes are also likely to attribute to the fall in country’s net immigration.

The Australian immigration department brought many amendments to various visa programs, including tightened requirements for student visa program. As a matter of fact, this is going to have a deep impact on the level of immigration the country would receive. As per the reports of DIAC, Australia’s net immigration had reached its highest point in 2008-09. But, the country has been experiencing a downwards trend of late. The recent economic downturn is likely to propel the slowdown in immigration.

According to the country’s immigration minister, Chris Evans, Australia has been watchful in issuing temporary Australian visas to those people who could meet the skill shortages in the country, complementing, not competing with local workers. As a result of this, the country is already experiencing a fall in migration rates.

As per the statistics of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the country’s migration rates peaked between March 2008 and March 2009 at nearly 306,000. But, the immigration department forecasts that net overseas migration may drop this year to between 230,000 and 250,000.

If you are one of those intending to immigrate to Australia, it is advised to seek the services of an Immigration and Visa consultant to keep up with the latest amendments to the country’s immigration policies.