Construction Union seeks 'guest worker' inquiry
Wed, 31 May 2006 21:30:00 GMT
The construction union is calling on the Federal Government to launch an inquiry into immigration agents bringing so-called "guest workers" into Australia. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says the explosion of workers entering Australia on short-term visas has created a growing and unregulated industry.
Queensland to fast-track investor and retirement visas,
Fri, 26 May 2006 06:42:29 GMT
Following consultations with several stakeholder groups, the Queensland Government will be fast-tracking two visas subclasses when the applications have been submitted by registered agents. Following consultation with the Migration Institute of Australia, the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation (Queensland Government) will fast-track applications that are submitted and certified by agents registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in the following visa subclasses:
Migrants to Australia will have to speak English
Sun, 14 May 2006 18:59:49 GMT
The Sunday Mail reported over the weekend that Minister of Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, has changed the English language requirements for migrants.This round of changes comes days after a series of announcements and changes to Australia's various immigration, student and working holiday visas. The overhaul of the skilled migration program follows a recent call by a prominent government MP for aspiring citizens to sit an English test.
Australia backpackers twice as long job bonus
Sat, 13 May 2006 09:00:51 GMT
Backpackers working in Australia will be able to stay in the same job twice as long under new rules. From July holiday workers will be able to stay in a job for six months rather than three, the government says. Workers in some sectors, including forestry and fishing, can also apply to extend their visas by a year. More than 104,000 people were in the working holiday scheme in 2004, figures show. Nationals from 19 countries and territories are eligible.
Australia remains steady on skilled migrant intake
Mon, 01 May 2006 08:44:07 GMT
Australia will keep its skilled immigration intake steady for the 2006/07 financial year, the government announced on Monday, disappointing business groups who wanted more immigrants to meet widening skills shortages. Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said Australia would accept between 134,000 and 144,000 new skilled and family migrants in 2006/07, up by about 1,000 on 2005/06, but with the skilled programme to remain steady at 97,500.
Elderly Visitors To Australia Face Tough New Health Checks
Mon, 01 May 2006 07:08:24 GMT
Elderly people, including grandparents, could be barred from visiting Australia under tough new health checks. "Procedures relating to the health assessment of elderly visitors have been continuously tightened over recent years," an Australian Department of Immigration spokesman said. He said everyone over 70 was now required to have a thorough check-up before being granted a visa.
Australia Proposes a Citizenship Test
Mon, 01 May 2006 09:01:17 GMT
At a time of keen debate surrounding immigration in the United States, the government of Australia may introduce a compulsory test for prospective migrants that would require both a grasp of English and an understanding of commonly held "Australian values." The proposal comes at a time of heightened concerns about extremist views taking root among Australian Muslims, but some Islamic representatives say it smacks of racism.
Australia increases migrant intake quota
Mon, 01 May 2006 04:14:15 GMT
Cupid is forcing the federal government to increase its migrant intake by a further 1,000 in the next financial year. Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone announced on Monday that while Australia's 2006-07 intake of skilled migrants would remain at 97,500, the government would increase the intake of migrants for family reasons to 46,000. Spouses, both those of younger Australians returning home after a period overseas and those of skilled migrants already working in Australia, would account for the entire increase, Senator Vanstone said.
|