Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

A recent survey by Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship found that skilled migrants arriving in the country are finding employment quickly and enjoying their new life down under.

The federal government of Australia announced a three-year labor agreement for the temporary entry of skilled meatworkers (the 457 visa) to Western Australia. Kevin Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk, West Australian Minister for Small Business, finalized the agreement on 16 May 2007.

In a recent speech to the New Zealand government, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe outlined the country's plan to attract migrants from abroad in a bid to keep the New Zealand labor force competitive in the global economy, increase public confidence, and foster New Zealand's diverse population.

The state government of Western Australia says that the increase of 5,000 skilled migration placements is inadequate to fill their needs. Western Australia alone needs another 60,000 in the next ten years.

New Zealand businesses are facing labor shortages and immediate measures are needed, including increased immigration, according to the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Recent figures from Statistics New Zealand show a strong demand for labor.

"The data is consistent with the Chamber's latest survey of business confidence, which shows that employers are finding it harder to find staff. Not only skilled labor but less skilled also," said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

The Australian government announced it would be introducing a new visa aimed at hiring foreign crew members to help secure its borders.