As reported by RIA Novosti, the decision will be made after the publication in November of data on the state of the Australian economy over the past six months, said Minister for Immigration Chris Evans. The authorities fear that the financial crisis could lead to a rise in unemployment in the country.
According to Evans, the current migration program in Australia, aimed at attracting skilled professionals to the country, was designed for a growing economy and labor shortages. In the current conditions, the government will be forced to revise migration policy, the minister noted.
According to the BBC, about 190,000 immigrants were expected to come to Australia in 2008-2009.