Chris Bowen, Australia's minister for immigration and citizenship, has announced a new points test to allow suitable skilled migrants to work and live in Australia.
The new test is part of the Gillard government's reform of the skilled migration programme, which aims to bring talented workers to the country.
It will emphasise the importance of having a good grasp of the English language as well as possessing suitable work experience and a high level of qualifications.
All of these factors will be taken into consideration, so a migrant will no longer be allowed to enter the country on one of these strengths alone.
"The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration programme that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australia's interests in the medium to long term," Mr Bowen said.
Earlier this month, demographer Bernard Salt told the Australian newspaper that the Australian property market would suffer if the country's immigration levels were cut.
Posted by Steve Douglas
