Australia Immigration News (Australia Immigration News)

Australian government needs immigration to overcome recession

Graham — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:01:50 +0000

A report from the Australian government has made it clear that immigration will be paramount to the country regaining economic stability in the wake of the global financial crisis.

This year, migration quotas were slashed in order to ensure that employment levels among native Australians remained as stable as possible. Last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released data showing that the nationwide level of employment has remained remarkably stable, with a change of just 0.01 per cent being recorded last month, thus exemplifying Australia’s resistance to the worldwide recession.

Skilled Migration Program Visa Processing Update

Graham — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:32:09 +0000

At the end of each year of the Australian migration program the grant of skilled visas is slowing. This is nothing unusual, as the Department of Immigration needs to make sure that the number of skilled professionals who are migrating to Australia is not different to the number announced by the Immigration Minister for the program year, which ends on 30th of June.

Many applications that are ready for visa grant are being put on hold until the new program year will start on 1st July 2009.

Increased language requirements for technical level occupations

Graham — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:29:29 +0000

One of the most significant changes in the migration law from the 1st July 2009 will be the increase in IELTS test requirement for technical level occupations. It will be essential for potential applicants to demonstrate their English proficiency in the application process.

Until the 1st of July 2009, technical level occupations have been required to demonstrate only 5 in each band. This requirement will rise to 6 from July 2009.

The Myths of Australian Skilled Migration

Graham — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:28:53 +0000

At the end of last year, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, announced alterations to the skilled migration program. The announcement caused a lot of misunderstanding and led potential migrants to develop new myths about the program and migration in general. This article will dispel some those myths.

Australia will not accept more skilled migrants

This is not true. With 115,000 skilled visas granted in the year to 30th June, 2009, the skilled migration program is to break the last year record. In the year to 30th June, 2010, the number of skilled visas granted will shrink to 108,100 (the same as in 2008).

Emigrating to Australia becomes increasingly attractive as the country avoids recession

Graham — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:21:26 +0000

According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia has been the only major Western economy to avoid recession. As a result, it became the most attractive destination to potential migrants from around the world.

The Rudd Government released official data that shows Australia avoided recession which settled in other countries in the world. Australia noted 0.4 per cent growth in GDP in the last quarter due to strong performance from exports.

Australian working holiday visas defy recession

Graham — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:23:14 +0000

Despite the global recession, the Australian working holiday program has noted a significant growth in the past decade, being the only sector of the Australian tourism industry with positive results. However, it is feared that the program might be the next target of the Australian government after it reduced the number of temporary Australian visa holders coming to the country through the 457 scheme.

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) announced that the program is the crucial part of the Australian tourism industry during the recession, as it provides the smaller businesses with a constant stream of income.

Australian immigration contributes to rise in ACT population

Graham — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:50:51 +0000

The latest government statistics show that the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) population will reach 500,000 by 2050.

The data is based on Australian immigration figures as well as mortality and fertility. It is said that the population should hit 350,000 in 2010 and 400,000 in 2022. Nearly a quarter of the growth will be contributed by Australian immigration, while the rest will be driven by births against deaths.

Fake migration document racket busted in Australia

Graham — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:29:28 +0000

A multi-agency operation in New South Wales has uncovered a highly illegal racket supplying false Australian immigration documents to would-be migrants, Immigration Minister Chris Evans has revealed.

The joint-service operation including officers from the Department of Immigration and the Australian Federal Police and other government agencies were involved in the sting, which saw a Sydney office stormed and, and the agent behind the alleged dealings taken into custody.

Australia to redefine health requirements for permanent residency

Graham — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship is looking to redefine its health requirement criteria for permanent residency, after a German family’s residency was controversially rejected on grounds of disability.

All Australian permanent residency visa applicants are required to meet a specified health critera before their application for residency can be granted.

Part of the Australian visa application process involves an assessment of health costs associated with particular disabilities.

DIAC shortlisted for e-Government award

Graham — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:03:52 +0000

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has been listed amongst the finalists to win an e-award for best e-Government services, thanks to its online facilities which aid people looking to relocate to Australia.

The recession has seen an upturn in the number of people seeking a better lifestyle and a more sound economic climate, and the DIAC website has provided a great deal of much-needed support and information for the thousands of people in Europe and Asia currently considering a move Down Under.