what’s news in immigration?

latest news 19 August 2008

Work and holiday visa arrangements with Thailand expand

9 August 2008
Australia and Thailand have agreed to more than double their reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement for young people. The work and holiday visa differs from a working holiday visa as it requires applicants to have the support of their government, hold tertiary qualifications or be studying towards a tertiary qualification, and to speak functional English or Thai respectively. more...

publications/conferences

457 visa review issues paper released

An Issues Paper on the English language requirements and occupational health and safety aspects of the subclass 457 visa program has been released for consultation. Submissions are sought from interested parties on the issues raised in the paper by 29 August 2008. more...

Colleges in cash-for-certificates scam

11 August 2008
A federal immigration source has said some migration agents, often unlicensed, set up organised crime networks and got away with "massive" frauds. A multi-agency probe involving immigration, education and tax office investigators is closing in on several people in the migration and vocational education sectors. more...

cases

Armstrong v Healthcare Recruiting Aust Pty Ltd & Anor (No.2) [2008] FMCA 1050

Industrial law - contravention of Workplace Relations Act - employment of nurses working under labour-hire agreements - employees’ entitlements withheld - exploitation of migrant nurses in vulnerable position - 4 breaches by company - involvement of sole director - deterrent penalties appropriate - application of totality principle - total penalties of $48,000 and $8,000 ordered. Federal Magistrates Act 1999 (Cth), s.77. Federal Magistrates Court Rules 2001 (Cth), r.26.01. Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW), s.118(2). Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth), ss.719, 722, 723, 728. more...