Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

Australian Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews gave a speech at a luncheon on 18 July 2007 in which he talked about his country's immigration system and the government's plans to combat pr

Mohammed Haneef, a 27 year-old suspect in the recently failed UK bombing attempts at the end of June, has been detained by Australian immigration authorities after his visa was cancelled on 'character grounds.'

On 01 July 2007, a number of changes to Australia's immigration program and rules went into effect. The new Australian Citizenship Act commenced last week from Sunday, which now includes a number of changes to immigration law.

Australia's population has grown to 21 million in 2007, helped in part by record immigration levels. The country is experiencing the largest immigration influx in decades.

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An enterprise advocacy group, Business NZ, praised recent changes to New Zealand's immigration rules.

"Many firms have been crying out for skilled staff but have been obstructed by Skilled Migrant Category rules. With more points now available for skills, we hope to see some easing of the skills crisis," said Nicholas Green, a productivity specialist for Business NZ.

<$adv0>"Competition for talent is fierce, and it's in New Zealand's interests to stay ahead of the international game," he added.