Skilled Migration visa program ramps up as the Territory seeks to import 3000 workers

A bid to get international workers to the Top End is ramping up after an enforced Covid-hiatus. We reveal the sectors expected to benefit from the push.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, visa schemes to attract 1400 to 3000 skilled migrant workers have opened.

Applications for Offshore General Skilled Migration visas were closed until now as a result of international border closures.

The program will allow skilled migrants to hold a five-year visa and could lead to longer residency if the specific criteria is met.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the skilled worker shortage was a major priority for the Territory Government.

“We have been in this phase of stepping through Covid and are very much focused on getting workers here,” Ms Fyles said.

“We need workers to achieve our $40 billion economy and part of that is migration and offshore skilled migration.”

Applicants will need to be experienced in high priority occupations and have support networks and family connections within the Northern Territory.

High priority industries include health, science, finance, agriculture, construction, telecommunications, IT and hospitality.

Business, Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby said there was plenty of room within these programs and the scheme could expand.

“There’s around 1400 people that we can bring through programs like this,” Mr Kirby said.

“We’re pushing to extend those programs all the time.

“We want to get into the realm of having around 3000 people on these types of programs in years to come.”

Staff shortages have impacted local business and the visa scheme could reverse that.

Radical Systems director Adam Whitehead said there was large demand for workers with specific skill sets.

“Like many other industries in the Territory, we’re suffering from a pretty dire skills shortage, and anything that takes the pressure off that and makes it easier is definitely a welcome thing,” Mr Whitehead said.