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European Union interior ministers met in Brussels on 25 September 2008 to discuss an EU-wide immigration pact. The pact would include endorsing the so-called 'blue card' skilled immigration directive. The blue card would provide a "one-stop shop" for non-European Union nationals with skilled work experience who wish to take employment in any European Union member state.

The scheme hopes to help the EU compete with other countries that are attracting many more skilled immigrants. If an agreement is reached, the blue card could become reality by 2011.

The United States' 2010 Diversity Visa Lottery (also known as the Green Card Lottery) began at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Savings Time on 02 October 2008. People born in a country with low levels of immigration into the United States may be eligible for entry in the Green Card Lottery.

Phil Woolas, the new Immigration Minister for the United Kingdom, has begun his tenure by advocating a new quota policy for immigrants. He claims that immigration policy 'needs to provide confidence' to the native population that migration is "under control."

The United States' Diversity Visa Lottery for 2010 is now open and will close on December 1st.  Only about 5 weeks are left to submit a DV-2010 application.  Interested applicants are advised not to wait; Apply now! It is very possible that on the last day for submissions the Government website will not be able cope with demand.

The Australian government recently hinted that they may reduce immigration quotas in response to the global economic downturn. But industry experts are warning that reducing immigration levels will hurt businesses in Australia. Both Prime Minster Kevin Rudd and Immigration Minister Chris Evans have stated that migration policies should take into account the current economic situation.