The Australian government has announced that five extra points will be awarded to potential immigrants who can pass an English language test as part of the application process for work visas.  A points system is used to determine who are given visas to work and live in Australia.  Points are allocated for various factors such as age, experience and skills.

The move is part of an overall push to lift the numbers of skilled workers coming to live in Australia.  It is complemented by a lift in the overall target for skilled workers coming in to the country; from 97,000 to 102,500.

It is expected that the forthcoming policy change will attract workers such as teachers, dentists and nurses from primarily English speaking countries such as the United Kingdom.