Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

With New Zealand facing a shortage of qualified chefs restaurant, chain Sky City is betting on reducing the shortfall with an international recruitment campaign targeting Europe, the United States, South Africa and the Pacific Islands.

According to migration agents in Australia, a surge in 457 visa applications has caused a backlog and delays, and employers are frustrated.

An agreement that allows young people from Germany and Australia to take a working holiday in each others' countries will be continued.

On 01 February, Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to nominate more than 300 students to apply for study in New Zealand as part of an expanded scholarships program for Asia and Oceania.

"This represents a strong endorsement by Saudi Arabia of the quality of our teachers and the excellence of our learning environments," Dr. Cullen said.

Under changes to Australia's subclass 457 visa announced this week, employers who are determined to be exploiting foreigners working in Australia will face new tough financial penalties.

Australia's aggressive program to recruit skilled immigrants and migrant workers to the country is paying off in a big way. Despite increased global competition for skilled workers, the country has approximately doubled the number of immigrant builders and engineers compared to the previous year