Immigration newsletter 8 February 2006

France is considering an immigration system based on points as favored by many countries of the world. France's interior minister will submit a proposal this week that outlines an immigration system that makes it simpler for skilled and educated applicants to immigrate to France, and make it easier to expel unwanted foreign workers. Among other things, it calls for the creation of a grading system for students and workers that gives rankings depending on the country of origin and the field of work and study. For example, a three-year residence permit would be given to highly-skilled foreign workers who would be especially able to contribute to France's economy. Foreign students who wish to enroll in a study program that is deemed under-attended will be given priority in obtaining a study visa. Foreigners living in France 10 years without the right papers will no longer be given a residence permit automatically.

Australia's Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone is considering measures to reduce the number of less-skilled technology workers entering Australia. Senator Vanstone is looking at ways to better define skills categories in the tech sector in order to better target migrants who have skills that are in short supply in Australia. The tech sector has been a difficult area for immigration, with high unemployment among less skilled technology workers but chronic shortages in some specialties. If the measures are approved by Cabinet, an announcement is expected by the end of March.

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