Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

The state government of Victoria in Australia is seeking skilled Indians.

The net inflow of migrants to New Zealand dropped to 7000 last year, the weakest result since 2000 and less than half 2004's gain of 15,100. But December's figures, reported by Statistics New Zealand, were the strongest all year. A net gain of 1260, seasonally adjusted, which was more than twice the monthly average for 2005. The trend of the seasonally adjusted figures has been improving since July, when a net gain of only 30 people was recorded.

The number of skilled migrants who already have jobs or job offers when they are shortlisted for New Zealand residency has increased since tougher criteria were introduced.

The qualifying bar for the skilled migrant category was raised from 100 to 140 points in December 2005. Applicants with between 100 and 140 points can also qualify if they have a job or job offer and enough places are available.

Yesterday, the Immigration Service gave out statistics from the first selection round since the changes.

The quota for the Hong Kong and Australia Working Holiday Scheme will increase from 200 to 1,000 in order to meet increasing demand.

The scheme, which began in September 2001, aims to help young people gain valuable experience while holidaying and working abroad.

Apart from Australia, the Hong Kong Government has signed similiar agreements with New Zealand, in April 2001, and Ireland, in March 2005. For both sides, the quota is 200 for New Zealand and 100 for Ireland.

Australia has warned overseas athletes and officials that they will be banned from re-entering Australia for three years if they overstay their Commonwealth Games visas.Authorities are hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2002 Games in Manchester when dozens of athletes from Sierra Leone disappeared.More than 8,000 special Games visas have been issued for competitors, coaches, team managers, sponsors and broadcasters.

The Philippines embassy in Australia is investigating claims that Filipino guest workers brought to Australia on skilled migration visas are being exploited by employers. The claims say that employers are demanding they work long hours for below-award wages.

The embassy is investigating several claims of abuse of imported Filipino chefs and professional staff working in restaurants and bars.