Occupations to be dropped from migration points test?

In-demand occupations could lose their special treatment status under possible changes to the skilled migration points test.

Would-be migrants from the most in-demand occupational groups could find that their skills no longer give them an extra edge under changes being considered to the points test for skilled migration. A discussion paper released last week asks whether different types of occupations should attract different points - and whether they should get any points at all. Under current arrangements, applicants earn 60 points - out of the 120 needed for skilled migration - if they have professional qualifications in highly regulated areas. Generalist professional qualifications earn 50 points and vocational...