The Australian government has moved to address the problem of competition for skilled employment by hiking up the pass rate for its immigration language test.

Prospective migrants are now required to score a minimum of five points on the test as competition for positions has increased following the shrinking number of employment opportunities that has swept across Australia in recent months.

Previously, applicants were able to pass the test by scoring 4.5 points, the equivalent of 50 per cent. The maximum score of nine points is the benchmark for a fluent, native English speaker.

The test was first introduced in 2007, and applied to anyone hoping to emigrate to Australia and work in various trade and food preparation industries.

The Australian government has stated that the changes made to the language test pass rate will be the first of several new measures which, they hope will continue to provide the country with skills from abroad, “while not undermining local training and employment opportunities”.

Immigration minister Chris Evans highlighted the advantages of all skilled workers having at least a modest grasp of English. In effect, applicants from foreign backgrounds seeking employment now need to be able to compete linguistically with native English speakers applying for the same jobs.

The Government also intends to overhaul the 457 visa system but has declined to cap the number of workers allowed in on the temporary permits.

From July, indexed minimum pay rates for 457 visa holders will be increased by 4.1 per cent to match Australian rates.