5 Jan 2011

Big backlog of migration applications

1:43 pm on 5 January 2011

The Immigration Department in Australia says its skilled migration programme is facing a lengthy backlog of applications, which it warns is likely to increase.

The department says there is a processing backlog of about 140,000 applications for the general skilled migration programme and the number is likely to grow.

The ABC reports the federal government has been told it could take a couple of years to process the applications.

The department also told the government that moving towards a 'big Australia' would help offset the ageing population and would lead to higher economic growth and better living standards.

It says it is possible to offset the negative consequences of population growth, such as congestion, through effective planning and infrastructure.