Increase in overseas workers entering Australia
Updated
The number of overseas workers entering Australia through the temporary skilled migration, or 457 visa program, has grown by 27 per cent in the past year.
Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, says IT specialists, nurses and business professionals, topped the list of occupations favoured by the 110,000 people taking part in the program.
About a quarter were from Britain, 14 per cent from India, nine per cent from the Philippines and six per cent from China, the United States and South Africa.
Senator Evans says the 457 visa program is vital to easing a skills shortage in Australia.
He says the government will soon improve regulation of the scheme to make sure workers are not exploited.
