After almost 10 years in Australia, Sonya Chuhovska is planning to move back to Bulgaria with her husband.(Supplied)

After moving to Australia from Bulgaria with her husband almost 10 years ago, Sonya Chuhovska is now planning to move back.
 

Tightening visa processes for migrant workers and international students are some of the biggest measures proposed by the Albanese government as it cracks down on the "broken" migration system in Australia.

The government has revealed its 10-year migration strategy which includes Australia's current migration numbers and how it proposes to curb them.

Australia's net migration level is believed to have peaked last financial year at 510,000 and is forecast to fall to more normal levels, down to 375,000 next year and 250,000 in 2025.
 

OPINION

Since the first boatloads of convicts were brought to Australia against their will at the end of the 18th century, we’ve been a country of immigrants.

Into the future, migration will play a decisive role in how our nation continues to grow and age. Without it, we’ll be economically much worse off.


Migration is key to Australia’s future.Credit:Luis Ascui
 

More critical workers including teachers and nurses could be attracted to Australia if the temporary skilled migrant income threshold is lifted to $70,000 according to the Grattan Institute, as the government works to overhaul the country’s migration system.

A review of the system led by former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson is currently under way and expected to hand a report to government by early next year.
 

Surging demand for labour has deepened the shortage of skilled workers across 286 occupations ranging from chemical engineers to abattoir workers, in a new finding that will intensify calls for more investment in skills policy when federal and state ministers meet on Friday.

The list of skills shortages has increased to 31 per cent of occupations assessed by federal authorities to guide employment policy, up from 19 per cent of job types one year ago.

With employers advertising 301,000 job vacancies in August, up by 37 per cent on the same month last year, the labour shortage is turning into a pressure point in the October 25 budget when the federal government is trying to negotiate a funding deal with the states.

Most in-demand occupations
Top 20 is based on 2022 Skills Priority List, national internet job vacancies and national-level employment projections.