Australia to allow more skilled migrants to ease shortage

Sydney: Australia said on Sunday it was relaxing its migration programme to allow more skilled workers into the country.

"Employer-sponsored visas are the highest priority because they put a migrant worker directly into a skilled job," said Chris Evans, Immigration and Citizenship minister.

The government will also expand the working holiday visa programme for young people, a move which is expected to benefit the tourism and construction industries.

Australia's jobless rate is at a three-decade low and most companies face a labour shortage.