Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced that the government would be implementing "tough new measures to deter potential mass arrivals of illegal immigrants and people smuggling to New Zealand".

Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Bowen is visiting India and Sri Lanka this week to discuss further cooperation on border and immigration activities. He will also be answering questions about recent and upcoming changes to Australia's skilled migration programme."I look forward to deepening Australia's relationship with both India and Sri Lanka through beneficial discussions on a range of issues of importance to our countries," Bowen said.

International students will soon find it easier to study at Australian educational institutions on Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses under new streamlined visa arrangements. TAFE courses are typically vocational courses in industries such as business, finance, tourism, construction and engineering.

A new report claims that New Zealand risks losing out on the potential benefits of having Asian business graduates in their workforce if they continue to face barriers in finding jobs and obtaining visas after graduation.

Australian immigration has opened a new Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) for visa applicants in Vanuatu. The new AVAC is located on the ground floor of the Rossi Ocean Walk. This will make it easier for Vanuatu citizens wishing to apply for Australian visas. Instead of going up the hill to the guarded entrance of the Australian Chancellery, Vanuatu citizens can apply for visas right in the centre of town.The new centre will be open from from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday.

High numbers of Irish citizens are continuing to emigrate to other countries, especially Australia, according to official figures.