Chefs and cooks not welcome in Australia?

On the 17th May 2010 a new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) was announced by the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans. Chefs and cooks have been removed from this list. The implication for prospective migrants to Australia in this category is that they can no longer apply under the highly skilled category and search for employment after their arrival in Australia. Senator Evans however, assured that chefs and cooks are still welcome in Australia and that employer sponsored schemes are still open for them. In his justification for the move he argued that employer sponsored visas better address the economic needs of employers and the labour market and that it will not affect the catering business. The scheme will certainly serve the government in its immigration control purposes and will prevent engaging in employment in an occupation different to that for which the visa was granted.