what’s news in immigration?

Immigration denies 457 approvals fall

10 March 2008 The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has rejected criticism of its 457 visa regulations, issuing figures that show the number of foreign workers being brought into the country by information technology companies has increased. According to the Information Technology Consulting and Recruitment Association, recruitment companies have been unable to bring a single worker into the country for more than 5 months using a 457 visa, as a result of changes rushed through on 1 October by the Howard government.  The changes introduced tougher training provisions in labour agreements for the 457 visa.   more...

Foreign workers detained in south-eastimmigration sting

13 March 2008 14 people living near Penola, in south-east South Australia, have been detained as part of an Immigration Department sting. The 14 people are suspected of working illegally in the local horticulture industry. Immigration officials say some of the Malaysians and Indonesians were also staying in Australia illegally. more...

Chef's saga of woe shows up problems with 457 visa

9 March 2008 The conflict between the employee employed under the skilled migrant worker scheme and the employer highlights continuing problems with the controversial 457 visa scheme, that have yet to be resolved by the Rudd Government. Employers of 457 visa holders are in some cases required to cover workers' medical expenses. After being presented with a medical certificate stating he needed more time off work and 4-figure medical bill, the Restaurant dismissed the worker.   more...

Record fine for exploiting foreign workers

11 March 2008 The Workplace Ombudsman has netted a fine of $174,000 against a Western Australian construction company that flouted 457 visa laws. The Federal Magistrates’ Court in Perth, has fined West Australian construction company, Hanssen Pty Ltd, $174,000 for 21 breaches of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relation to the lodgement requirements of Australian Workplace Agreements. more...

Migrant workers help fuel $120bn growth

14 March 2008 A new report by economists in Australia and Britain, suggests that migration and free trade could bring benefits worth up to $120 billion a year to the world economy. "We think there are very large benefits to trade liberalisation and a liberalisation of migration," said Alan Winters, professor at UK’s University of Sussex and coauthor of the study with Kym Anderson at the University of Adelaide. more...

Construction work visa changes on cards for Australian immigration

10 March 2008 Construction workers wanting to live around the beach and wine regions could be in for a treat if Kevin Rudd follows through with immigration changes. Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has recently addressed the skills shortages in Australia's construction industry. A special visa that will allow easier entry into Australia for builders could be introduced within 3 months of government approval. It will be sponsored by the Housing Industry Association, or HIA, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.  

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Visa scam netted $4m, alleges NAB

12 March 2008 National Australia Bank has alleged that a Melbourne finance broker, Rajesh Narad, and his associates received about $4 million in cash commissions for organising the purchase of $22.8 million of Treasury bonds in a year-long scam involving immigration visas.   more...

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