Visa changes take effect
Sat, 01 Jul 2006 02:40:24 GMT
THE partners of foreign workers on temporary visas will be able to come to Australia in a policy change designed to entice skilled workers.Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said changes to "457" visas to cater for interdependent partners would take effect tomorrow. "Australia was missing out on highly skilled temporary entrants, such as doctors and other health professionals, because we did not have an interdependent category," she said.
Australia to feel the effects of US immigration intake
Wed, 28 Jun 2006 01:40:47 GMT
Experts have predicted that a proposed increase in America's migrant intake would only add to Australia's skills shortage. As part of a debate in the US regarding illegal immigrants, of which there are 12 million, the country's Senate recently passed a bill to increase annual employment-based migration - which carries with it permanent residency in the US - from 14,000 to 650,000.
Couple facing deportation gain permanent visas
Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:33:32 GMT
A Wollongong couple facing deportation and separation from their two children have been granted permission to live in Australia permanently. Chinese nationals Edward and Carol Lo came to Australia illegally from Hong Kong 17 years ago. They have two sons aged 11 and 13, who are Australian citizens, and who would have been left in foster care in Australia if the parents were forced to return to Hong Kong.
Is skilled immigration limiting Australia?
Sat, 03 Jun 2006 06:01:23 GMT
James Gobbo, the chairman of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, has said he thinks the Australian Government's pre-occupation with skilled immigrants is limiting the country. Speaking at a conference last week, Mr Gobbo said, "Sometimes we don't sufficiently recognise that the unskilled offer what we want: they offer to do the unpleasant domestic and shift work.