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Panelbeaters in, dentists out as Australia updates skilled migration list

Xinhua, July 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia wants more foreign panelbeaters, but has pulled the plug on overseas dentists, after updating its skilled occupation list on Wednesday.

Panelbeaters, along with cabinet makers, will be able to apply for temporary or permanent residency in Australia from Wednesday, but urban and regional planners, dentists and dental specialists have lost their invitation.

The list identifies occupations where independent skilled migrants will assist in meeting the medium and long term skill needs of the Australian economy.

The list was updated after a review of Australia's labor market, and a closer look at education and migration data, by the Department of Industry and Science found the supply of local workers in panelbeating and cabinet-making was severely lacking.

"Cabinet makers and panelbeaters make a valuable contribution to the Australian economy," Michaelia Cash, assistant minister for immigration and border protection, said in a statement. "Migrants with these skills will enhance the size and skill of the Australian workforce."

Simon Birmingham, assistant minister for education and training, said foreign workers plugged gaps in the Australian economy and could provide education opportunities for local talent.

"Skilled migrants complement locally trained and skilled workers, help to create new jobs and contribute to the communities in which they live and work," Senator Birmingham said. "The Government's $6 billion (4.6 billion U.S. dollars) annual investment in vocational education and training is also supporting our training system to offer a pipeline of local talent to help address skills shortages."

As well as dental workers and town planners' removal from the list, places for international accountants, software programmers and information and communications technology analysts have also reached capacity.

The list applies to independent points-based skilled migration outside those nominated by state or territory governments, family- sponsored visa applications and temporary graduate visa applicants looking for graduate work.

Cash and Birmingham said additional occupations have been flagged for close review in next year's process. Endi