Australia and New Zealand

Australia will overhaul its citizenship test after a government-appointed committee found that the existing test needed improvement.

A federal government-sponsored review has called for a major overhaul of the controversial Australian 457 visa scheme.

The Australia government recently hinted that they may reduce immigration quotas in response to the global economic downturn.

The results from a scheduled biannual review for New Zealand's two skills shortage lists have been delayed. The revised Essential Skills in Demand Lists, which includes the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the Immediate Skill Shortage List, were scheduled to come into effect on December 1st this year.

In a Senate budget hearing on October 21st, Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans said that the country may see a decrease in its migration quota next year. He said that no decision had been made as of yet; however, Mr. Evans feels that the current global financial crisis will `force` the government to cut immigration numbers.

NZ: Chile quota 2008-10-15