AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

The Australian tourism market reached a high point last week by welcoming its 300,000th Chinese visitor under the Approved Destination Scheme.

Monday, 28 May 2007

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) have lifted a ban on recruiting Zimbabwean Nurses, providing a fresh start and significant career opportunities for many Zimbabwean nursing professionals in Australia.

Friday, 25 May 2007

Potential Australian citizens will soon be quizzed in the form of a multiple choice citizenship test about Australia’s values, political affairs and sporting preferences. The test will consist of 20 questions drawn from a pool of 200.

Monday, 21 May 2007

Recently arrived skilled migrants are enjoying strong employment outcomes and job satisfaction, according to preliminary results of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) third longitudinal survey of immigrants.

Friday, 18 May 2007

Kevin Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk, West Australian Minister for Small Business, have finalised a three-year labour agreement for the temporary entry of skilled meatworkers to Western Australia.

Thursday, 17 May 2007

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have released details of the 2007-08 Migration Programme intake with a planning level set at 152,800 places.

Friday, 11 May 2007

The Australian Government has hinted at introducing extensive changes to the current General Skilled Migration Programme.

Monday, 7 May 2007

Changes to the controversial Skilled Temporary Visa (subclass 457) which will protect and strengthen the integrity of the 457 visa scheme, have been formally announced by the Australian Government.

Monday, 30 April 2007

Details of reforms to Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme have been announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP and Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

The Australian Labour Party (ALP) plans to stop unions from making decisions on whether a business should be allowed to recruit temporary skilled migrants. The plan comes as a bid by the ALP to show that the party recognises the need for employer sponsored visas, despite continuous campaigns against their abuse.

Thursday, 29 March 2007

The increasing number of newborn babies and migrants have driven Australia’s population growth to its highest level in five years, fuelling economic growth and generating expansion in Australia’s research-rich states.

Wednesday, 28 March 2007

The Australian Government encouraged its citizens and residents to get together on 21 March 2007 and acknowledge the nation’s cultural diversity.

Thursday, 22 March 2007

The Australian government is being urged to respond to employer groups calling for a serious increase to the size and scope of the 2007-8 migration program.

Thursday, 15 March 2007

New immigration legislation designed to strengthen Australian security was passed through the Senate on 25 February 2007.

Tuesday, 13 March 2007

More than 600 new Australian citizens from 50 difference countries were given a ‘home town welcome’ last night at a Citizenship Ceremony held in Brisbane.

Thursday, 8 March 2007

Latin America has opened its door to Australian students and professionals to work and holiday in Chile. The renewed arrangement for the ‘Work and Holiday’ visa will allow up to 500 visas per year for both Australia and Chile.

Thursday, 22 February 2007

According to a recent media release, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro has reinforced the government’s commitment to a strong and cohesive Australia through effective integration.

Thursday, 22 February 2007

Thousands of young Germans and Australians will have the opportunity to enjoy a working holiday in each other's countries following a renewed agreement in Berlin.

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Changes to the controversial subclass 457 visa were unveiled this week by new Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews. The adjustments will introduce harsh penalties for those in breach of the sponsorship conditions and reward those who adhere to the rules.

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Australia’s unemployment rate hit an unexpected dip in figures last month sparking discussions that a lack of suitable labors will eventually generate wage and price pressures.

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Following the ceremony swearing in the new Minister and Parliamentary Secretary on Tuesday, 30th January, The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has officially changed its name to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

The Australian Government's Migration Programme has released details of the highest skill stream intake on record. These figures are illustrated in DIAC’s annual publication “Population Flows: Immigration Aspects, 2007”, which details statistics for 2005-2006.

Tuesday, 30 January 2007

In a reshuffling of the Australian federal parliament, Australian PM John Howard has identified new immigration, environment and employment ministers ahead of federal elections later this year.

Monday, 29 January 2007

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in Australia and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

Monday, 29 January 2007

The Greek authorities have announced that as of January 1st 2007, Greek passports issued prior to January 1st 2006 will no longer be considered valid for travel.

Monday, 29 January 2007