MANAGED MIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
rise from 26 per cent in 2006 to 37 per cent in 2007. It was certainly more difficult under the old criteria for younger migrants to enter as Table 2.4 illustrates. Table 2.4
Number of applications for HSMP, 01/01/2006–31/12/2007, by age
Age
Old criteria
25 and under 26–27 28–29 30–31 32–35 36–39 40–44 45–49 50 and over Total*
2,320 7,139 6,697 4,598 7,615 4,515 2,885 1,026 917 37,688
Percentage approved 41.4 50.7 51.5 56.1 54.1 51.6 45.4 48.0 44.4
New criteria 5,295 10,555 10,082 6,968 8,534 3,737 2,185 944 671 49,782
Percentage approved 62.3 65.0 62.5 69.1 61.4 58.6 52.7 52.5 48.4
Source: FOI, 2008, 841, 871 Note: A few did not state their age and a few were recorded inaccurately.
However, unlike other countries, there are no negative points given for those who are older (Canada) or an upper age limit for entry (Australia). If age and gender are pulled together (see discussion in previous section), it would appear that the additional points given to younger migrants have a similar effect on women and men. Stakeholders had raised concerns about additional points being given to migrants in their 20s, since the late 20s might be an age when women are on maternity leave and/or looking after young children, and therefore less able to obtain the salaries of comparable men. On the basis of the statistical data, this does not appear to have happened (Table 2.5) in that both women and men have seen the percentages of approved applicants decline in the early 30s. However, further research would be necessary to explore the intersectionality of gender, age and nationality more fully (see Chapter 4).
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