The Australian government has set the 2026/27 permanent migration programme at 185,000 places, maintaining the same overall planning level and the same approximate 70:30 split between the skilled and family streams that was in place during 2025/26. Australia has listed five skilled occupations eligible for Kenyans and other Africans. Of the total allocation, 129,590 places have been reserved for migrants already living onshore in Australia across both the skill and family streams, with a further 300 places set aside under special eligibility. The remaining 55,110 offshore places will be directed towards highly skilled workers whose expertise is intended to lift productivity and address long-term workforce gaps, supporting Australia’s working-age population. Which are priority occupations for offshore migrants?
The Australian government has outlined a broad range of occupations that will be prioritised for the offshore allocation. In healthcare, the programme targets general practitioners, surgeons, cardiologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists, neurologists, obstetricians, gynaecologists, and oncologists, alongside registered nurses specialising in aged care, critical care, mental health, paediatrics, and surgical settings, as well as nurse practitioners and midwives. Engineering and sciences form another major category, covering aeronautical, civil, electrical, mechanical, mining, and structural engineers, among others, as well as scientists including biochemists, biotechnologists, marine biologists, and meteorologists. The education sector features early childhood teachers, secondary school teachers, special needs teachers, and child care centre managers. Professional services include accountants, management accountants, external auditors, architects, landscape architects, and social workers. Trades, construction, and hospitality are also included.
