Aus eases migration rules for chefs, bricklayers and tilers

Australia has eased migration rules for chefs, bricklayers and tilers by including them in the revised skilled occupation list from next month, in a bid to meet labour shortage for in-demand trades in the country.
The change would mean that workers of the new list may be applicable for permanent residency, without requiring an employer or state to sponsor them.
The addition of chefs to the list reflects that the occupation is in short supply, coupled with strong growth projected in the cafe and restaurant sector, said Andrew Robb, Australian Trade and investment Minister.
"The inclusion of chefs, as well as the further inclusion of building and construction occupations will ensure Australia can fill the workforce needs of the next wave of tourism infrastructure," Robb said.

"We are seeing investment interest from a number of international hotels groups. Luxury high-yield Banyan Tree resorts visited Queensland recently," he said.
Hong Kong-based Marriot hotel group has announced its Ritz Carlton brand is re-entering the Australian market after more than a decade with a new hotel in Perth and Crown's plans for Barangaroo in Sydney will add to the city's luxury tourism offering.

"These developments will need a tourism and hospitality workforce that will ensure Australia can compete at the high-value end of the tourism sector - including international quality chefs," he said.
Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash said Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) provide annual recommendations on the SOL to ensure it responds to Australia's changing skill needs.

"The AWPA analyses evidence such as the labour market, education and training, migration and general economic and demographic data to make sure we get the balance right," Cash said.
"In this case, bricklayers and tilers have been added to the list because of an increase in demand predicted for these occupations as well as a decrease in apprenticeship completions," he added.
The list is used for people applying for the independent or family sponsored points tested visa or temporary graduate (subclass 485) work stream visa.