Evolution and characteristics of labour migration to Australia

This chapter presents a detailed picture of labour migration to Australia in recent years. It starts with a summary of the evolution of labour migration policy and its objectives and continues with a detailed presentation of the different categories of permanent and temporary labour migration, as well as the specific conditions and process applicants have to follow in order to be granted a permanent or temporary visa. Moreover, the chapter discusses recent trends for the different categories of permanent migrants and highlights the shift from a supply-driven system to rising demand-driven labour migration in recent years.