Builders, Bakers But No Candlestick Makers - New Skills in Demand
Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:45:42 GMT
The Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has just topped up its Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) adding builders, bakers, glaziers, roof plumbers, tilers and stonemasons, among others, to its list of preferred migrants. The MODL and Skills Occupation List (SOL) form part the backbone of Australia’s point-based skilled migration strategy. Applicants under the points tested General Skilled Migration (GSM) program who nominate an occupation on the MODL are awarded the maximum number points for the category.
457 visas being rorted by employers to reduce wages
Mon, 27 Mar 2006 02:43:58 GMT
UNSKILLED workers are being brought to Australia as cheap labour, making a farce of the Government's long-stay visa program, according to the Australian Computer Society. Workers from overseas have had a devastating effect on graduate employment in the sector, ACS president Philip Argy said. The long-stay work visas, known as 457 visas, were being rorted by employers to reduce wages, Mr Argy said.
Same sex partners to be recognised for skilled visa purposes
Mon, 13 Mar 2006 05:01:53 GMT
Australia's Minister for Immigration has announced today that same sex partners of skilled migrants and students are to be recognised by Australia for immigration purposes. At present same sex partners cannot be included as dependents on most categories of permanent visa application, including skilled visas, and long term temporary employer sponsored visas. In a Press Release today the Minister has announced that changes are to be introduced to immigration law that will treat same sex couples in the same way as de facto couples in a heterosexual relationship.