Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

On 08 May 2007, Australia's Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews announced an additional 5,000 places to the Skilled Migration Stream, bringing the total 2007-08 quota to 102,500 places. The family stream remained the same at 50,000 from last year, bringing to total Migration Programme quota to 152,800.

On 26 April 2007 the Australian government announced changes to the Skilled Temporary Visa Laws. Australia has been examining its immigration laws and policies since last summer and is now beginning to implement many changes.

According to New Zealand's Department of Labour (DoL), migrants coming to New Zealand need significantly less benefits from the government today than in recent years. They are attributing the decline to a strong economy and changes to immigration policy.

Recent government research found that almost all skilled migrants in New Zealand are happy with life in the country after one year.

On Friday, 13 April 2007, Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, called for a ban on HIV-positive immigrants entering the country. The statement ignited immediate controversy and grabbed headlines around the world.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DoIC) announced that the Skilled Migration Industry Outreach Officer (SMIOO) program would be extended by 18 months. 25 industries throughout Australia are currently hosting government immigration specialists.