Why Highly Skilled Workers Are Leaving Australia
The notion that highly skilled workers are leaving Australia in droves is a common misconception. While there has been a notable mobility among skilled professionals, the reality is more nuanced. This article explores the reasons behind this migration and analyzes the current state of the Australian job market for high-skilled workers.
Understanding the Mobility of Highly Skilled Workers
One of the key benefits of being a high-skilled worker is the mobility it affords. Skilled professionals have the freedom to move to where the best opportunities and experiences are. This is not unique to Australia; professionals around the world value the flexibility that comes with their expertise. However, the perception of a mass exodus from Australia among skilled workers is often exaggerated.
Recent Immigration Trends and Deceptions
A recent fall in net overseas migration (NOM) has led to a misleading belief that a significant number of skilled immigrants are departing Australia. This apprehension is rooted in the lag from a spike in international student arrivals a few years ago. As these students complete their degrees and return home, the net migration figures reflect this change. Furthermore, around one-third of those departing Australia permanently are Australian citizens, another one-half are students, and a portion are temporary visa holders whose visas have expired.
There is no specific data available on the number of permanent residents departing permanently, but the statistics indicate a mixed trend rather than a significant exodus. The shift in migration patterns is more reflective of global trends in education and personal choices, rather than an isolated trend specific to Australia.
Why Are Skilled Workers Leaving?
While skilled workers do move to explore new opportunities and experiences, the larger question remains: Are there enough jobs in Australia that suit highly skilled professionals?
Australia is facing a different employment landscape. While there is a strong demand for skilled tradespeople, the job market for degree graduates is tighter. According to recent data, the number of jobs available for highly skilled professionals has not kept pace with the influx of skilled migrants. This mismatch between supply and demand is a primary reason why some highly skilled workers are leaving.
Job Market Shortages and High-Skilled Workers
The Australian government has made efforts to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople. Initiatives such as the Skilled Australia migration program are aimed at attracting more workers in fields like engineering, ICT, and healthcare. However, these efforts may not be adequately addressing the needs of graduates.
A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights that around 111,000 new skilled migrants arrived in Australia in 2017. While this influx brought additional talent and experience to the job market, it also put pressure on existing roles, leading to a more competitive environment for high-skilled workers.
Exploring the Mobility Patterns of Skilled Professionals
Highly skilled workers are not just moving to large urban centers or international hotspots. Many are seeking new challenges, different cultures, and varying economic environments. This mobility is not necessarily indicative of job market failures in Australia but rather an indication of the diverse career paths that skilled professionals can pursue.
Some skilled workers may indeed leave for a variety of reasons, such as personal development, better career opportunities, or simply to try new experiences. Australians, like professionals in other countries, value the freedom to travel and work in different places. The question is not whether these professionals are leaving, but how they are leaving and where they are going.
Conclusion
The reasons behind the perceived exodus of highly skilled workers from Australia are multifaceted. While there can be legitimate concerns about the job market and the competitiveness for skilled positions, the reality is more complex. A balanced view is necessary to understand the true impact of migration on the Australian workforce.
Both government and employers need to continue to address the challenge of job market shortages for high-skilled workers. By doing so, they can ensure that the benefits of mobility and innovation continue to drive economic growth and prosperity in Australia.