For a city that is home to close to a third of the whole population of Australia – it’s a surprise that New South Wales (NSW) has historically only taken a very low number of skilled migrants.

This could all be set to change with a new initiative by the state government which aims to quadruple its annual intake of skilled migrants up to 7,200. In addition, the initiative also plans to extend post-study work rights for international students.

Andrew Stoner, Minister for Trade and Investment for NSW clarified their plans: “We want the best and the brightest from around the world to help fill skills shortages and turn our economy around. Overseas migrants, foreign students and visitors are needed in NSW to help establish international relationships which support our cultural and economic links”.

The proposals, which were laid out in a report this month, outline the state’s plans to increase its proportion of skilled migrants that it takes from 7.5 per cent up to 30 per cent. The report also outlines plans to make it easier for migrants who make large investments of over AUD $750,000 (£487,000) to be granted visas and permanent residency.

Despite skilled migrants across the world undoubtedly jumping for joy at the news, the new policies have also attracted their fair share of criticism from those who think that Sydney is fine the way it is. Naysayers believe that granting admission to too many expats could oust talent that already calls Sydney home and cause strain on the infrastructure of the city.

To guarantee you follow the correct application procedures and increase your chances of being granted a visa for Australia it’s advisable to seek advice from a certified migration agent, such as Taylor Hampton Solicitors. Remember to make sure that any agent you use is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and a Member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).

For details of property for sale in Australia, visit the Australia listings on Rightmove Overseas. One way to save money when emigrating to Australia, or buying property there, is to use a currency specialist when transferring your pounds into dollars. For more information on this, contact Smart Currency Exchange.

To understand the full step-by-step process to buying a property in Australia, collect The Overseas Guides Company’s ‘Australia Property Buying Guide’