Budget 2018-Changes affecting migrants

Treasurer Scott Morrison has handed down the 2018-19 Federal Budget, which he says will lead to lower taxes, more jobs and greater security. But some parts of society feel they've been overlooked. Priest visa gets easier,Doctors will find it more difficult.

Source: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The Government says it will better target visas for general practitioners to areas of doctor shortages.

From January  the 1^st next year, the Government will set a planning target of around 2,100 overseas trained doctors per annum to contribute to overall doctor numbers – a reduction of 200 GPs.

On the other hand, religious organisations will be able to employ migrants as bishops and ministers without contributing to a fund designed to support 300,000 Australian Apprenticeships.

The Turnbull government announced the Skilling Australians Fund in last year’s budget, where employers who hire a migrant worker under a temporary skills visa or an employer-nominated visa would be forced to pay a “levy” into the fund.

But 2018 Budget papers reveal religious groups will be exempted.