By Roger Maynard, Australia Correspondent

SYDNEY: Fears that international economic woes would force Australia to cut migrant numbers have proved unfounded, with the government pledging to maintain the record intake and to focus on those offering critically needed skills.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans, who had earlier hinted that the worldwide slowdown might lead to a scaling down of the annual migration programme, has instead heeded the advice of the business community and promised to keep the door open to new settlers.

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