Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

On a recent trip to New Zealand, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he wants to continue to see a large flow of New Zealand immigrants to the UK. He said the recent immigration cap should have little affect on many Kiwi applicants.

New Zealand officials have voiced concerns over new UK immigration restrictions and their affect on New Zealanders wishing to live and work in Britain.

According to new statistics, immigration to South Australia grew significantly last year, increasing from 9,695 people in 2008-09 to 11,377 in 2009-10.

Due to the economic situation many Countries saw a net reduction in levels of immigration in the period 2008-09. Some Australian states and territories are seeing increasing levels of immigration.

"The numbers of settler arrivals are now near the level they were in 2006-07," said a spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defense Secretary Liam Fox will arrive in New Zealand on 20 January 2011 to hold talks with NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully. Part of their discussions will cover concerns over the UK's planned immigration cap.

Reconstruction efforts in flood-stricken Queensland are expected to make it more difficult to recruit skilled labor for the Australian building industry, causing industry stakeholders to call for more skilled immigration.

Australia has seen a sharp drop in student immigration from India, says the Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese. He said that this is due to tougher student immigration requirements by the Australian government. He did not feel the reduction in student immigration is due to bad publicity following attacks on Indian students.

The Australian government is trying to lure Indian skilled workers to its shores, according to the Australian High Commissioner for India.

"India is the second largest source of skilled migrants to Australia and we want this number to increase," said Australian envoy Peter Varghese.

He said the Australian government will organize a promotional campaign in India during 2012 that would target Chandigarh, Punjab, and other cities in northern India.