This report explores how to make Australia’s migration system work better for migrants, employers and the broader community.

It focuses on how to improve the employment outcomes of migrants who are already in the country. The report examines the causes of poor labour market outcomes for migrants, in particular language proficiency, poor recognition of qualifications and discrimination.

Key recommendations:

• Expand access to post-settlement English language training for skilled migrants, including occupation-specific training that enables them to achieve a competent or proficient level of English.
• Improve recognition of international qualifications and work experience.
• Review the potential to give greater weight to the skills and work experience of secondary applicants to skilled migration visas, as part of the federal government’s work towards a reformed points test for skilled migrants.
• Work to reduce labour market discrimination against migrants through initiatives that build local knowledge and experience, together with pilot programs that reduce prejudice by emphasising individual diversity within all ethnic groups.