http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7945401.stm
Australia has said it will cut the number of skilled foreign workers it accepts by 14% to safeguard local jobs.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced the cut, the first by the country in 10 years.
Mr Evans said the government did not want to admit people who would compete with Australians for limited jobs amid the global financial crisis.
Unemployment is rising in Australia, after years of economic growth fuelled largely by mining exports.
"We're going to cut (the programme) from 133,500 to 115,000, so that's about a 14% cut," Mr Evans told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The number of foreign skilled migrants will be cut by 18,500 for the 2009/10 financial year, which starts in June, from a total number of 133,500 in 2008/09.
Professions such as nurses, doctors, engineers and information technology will be safe, as Australia still has shortages in these areas.
Last call for Australia, gates closing.
Australia has said it will cut the number of skilled foreign workers it accepts by 14% to safeguard local jobs.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced the cut, the first by the country in 10 years.
Mr Evans said the government did not want to admit people who would compete with Australians for limited jobs amid the global financial crisis.
Unemployment is rising in Australia, after years of economic growth fuelled largely by mining exports.
"We're going to cut (the programme) from 133,500 to 115,000, so that's about a 14% cut," Mr Evans told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The number of foreign skilled migrants will be cut by 18,500 for the 2009/10 financial year, which starts in June, from a total number of 133,500 in 2008/09.
Professions such as nurses, doctors, engineers and information technology will be safe, as Australia still has shortages in these areas.
Last call for Australia, gates closing.
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