Is Australia short of workers or short of a clear plan? What it means for Vietnamese applicants

Tips · 2026-09-15 · 3 min read

Australian employers say they need more skilled people. That is good news if you are a skilled worker in Vietnam. But there is a catch. Australia does not yet have one clear national plan for finding and keeping the skills it needs. This means the path can feel confusing. Let us look at what is happening and what you can do.

Where the shortages are

Employers report ongoing shortages in technology, engineering, healthcare and finance. International investors are also reportedly counting skills shortages when they make decisions. So the need for skilled workers looks long term, not short term. It does not depend on the political debate about migration numbers.

Why the path can feel unclear

Many people talk only about one number, such as how many visas Australia gives. But for a worker, the real question is different. Can the right person find a way into a job? At the moment, several steps work separately. These steps are recruitment, visas, qualification recognition and job matching. They are not well joined together. Even skilled migrants who are already in Australia often work below their qualification level.

A surprising group: Australians abroad

About one million Australians live and work in other countries. More than 90% say they would like to go home one day. But only around 15% feel they have a real way to do it. These people have skills in areas such as AI, data, energy and infrastructure. Employers want those skills too.

How other countries plan

Singapore, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand have built their own strategies, networks or talent programmes. They treat their citizens abroad and new skilled migrants as one talent system. Singapore, for example, invests in fintech and new technology over many years. It also builds internship pipelines for its own people. At the same time, it welcomes experienced professionals from other countries.

What you can do now

You cannot fix the national system. But you can make your own path smoother.

Find out how your Vietnamese degree or vocational certificate will be assessed. In Australia, this is often a skills assessment. Only assume your job needs one if the employer or official guidance says so.
If a visa or employer asks for IELTS or PTE, plan your test early.
Ask a licensed translator for certified English translations when the visa rules require them.
If a police certificate is requested, Vietnamese citizens usually apply for the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).

Stay safe while you search

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa.

The main message

The real problem is not one number on a visa cap. It is whether skilled people can connect with employers who need them. Until that improves, the gap between shortage headlines and a clear pathway will stay wide. You can still prepare well. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for official information, and take one step at a time.

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