Which Skilled Temporary Migrants Become Permanent Residents and Why

Siew-Ean Khoo, Australian National University
Graeme J. Hugo, University of Adelaide

Most labor migration flows are temporary, as destination countries often impose strict conditions to ensure that foreign workers return home at the end of their work contract. It is also inevitable that some temporary migration will become permanent as some temporary migrants decide they would like to remain on a longer term or indefinite basis. In today's global competition for skilled labor, countries are usually more amenable to allowing skilled , rather than unskilled, temporary migrants to become permanent residents. This paper examines the factors that are associated with skilled temporary migrants' decision to become or not become permanent residents and the reasons for their decision. The paper is based on data from a recent survey of skilled migrants in Australia's temporary business entry program, which is similar to the H-1B visa program in the United States. Policy implications of the research findings for destination countries are discussed.