The state skilled migration program has been updated by the State Government of Queensland in Australia. A new list of qualifying occupations has been included for sponsorship as part of the updated program.

As per Chris Bowen, the Immigration Minister for Australia, it is formal commitment which the present government has to stick to. This is to support the economy of Australia by bringing in more number of skilled migrants to contribute to the labor market of the nation. This is one of the many plans that has government has devised.

For the State Migration Plans to be activated, the individual Australian territories and states have agreements with the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The total numbers of applicants for immigration for each state have been specified clearly in these agreements. Based on these, each territory or state in Australia would be allowed to sponsor a specific set of application. Also, it is based on the occupations which are in need of workers in the nation.

There are many priority industrial areas in Queensland which has been facing major skill shortages in the country. These areas are mainly the high-growth sectors which include projects for mining and coal seam where in engineers are required. Also, regional health practitioners are in demand as well.

Andrew Fraser, the Treasurer and Minister for Employment in Queensland has mentioned that there are about 83 occupations which are in demand in the nation. These occupations have been included in the latest State Migration Plan.

The introduction of the State Migration plan has led the government of Queensland to nominate and select skilled migrants who could contribute effectively to the local community as well as the economy. It is being anticipated that this plan would aid the state to cater to the demand for the skilled labor which has constantly been increasing in the recent years.

However, the plan for migration is restricted to only the skilled migrants being offered State sponsorship. The subclasses of 176, 886, 475 and 487 are the ones through which these programs could be applied for. The above is just one plan implemented by the state government to answer its needs.