Migrant Voices on Building Australia’s Tech Capability

This white paper presents findings from the ACS longitudinal study, Skilled Journeys: Navigating IT migration in Australia. The research aims to inform policy discussions and improve the migration system for IT-skilled migrants. The study highlights that IT skilled migrants contribute significantly to the Australian economy, with most securing employment within six months and experiencing a salary increase of nearly 10% over two years. However, it also identifies systemic inefficiencies in the migration process, such as delays and lack of recognition of overseas qualifications, which hinder the full utilization of the IT skilled migrant talent pool. The paper recommends reforms to streamline migration pathways and enhance employer engagement. It emphasizes the importance of programs like the ACS Professional Year in bridging cultural gaps and facilitating integration into the local workforce. Overall, the findings underscore the need for a robust IT skills base to support Australia's economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.