Australia likely to cut skilled immigrants' number

MELBOURNE: In what could be more bad news for Indian job-seekers, Australia has indicated that the global economic downturn may prompt it to cut the number of skilled immigrants to be allowed into the country next year, after similar measures by the US and Britain. "I expect the numbers of our programme to drop next year ... as a reaction to the economic circumstances," Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans told reporters. Evans said the size of the cut would be a matter for cabinet, the Australian Associated Press reported today. The government was very aware that labour demand would differ across regions and economic sectors, he said adding, "It's not a one size fits all."

In Britain too, the government is hardening immigration laws
as unemployment rises amid the financial meltdown. Non-European Union workers including Indians migrating to Britain will, from April, have to hold a masters degree and will have to show they earned a salary of at least $44,000 before moving to the UK.