Newsflash - September 2006

NEWSFLASH – September 2006

This is a client newsletter from Visa Solutions Australia on immigration and related matters. As the immigration rules to Australia are constantly changing, this newsletter aims to keep clients up to date on the recent changes that may affect employers and candidates in relation to Australia’s immigration laws.

CHECK WORK RIGHTS ONLINE!
Employers can now check work rights for visa holders using the Entitlement Verification Online (EVO) system through the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs’ website at www.immi.gov.au. If you have any queries you can email ian@visasolutions.com.au. If you are unsure about the interpretation of work rights and conditions, ring Visa Solutions Australia on 1800 449 858 and talk to one of our Registered Migration Agents.

PETROL, HOUSE PRICES AND DIMA FEES ARE UP!
Many clients may be aware that Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs application fees increased from 1 July 2006. Applications to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs will not be valid unless the correct fee is paid at the time of lodgement – to confirm the current application fees check with Lidia at Visa Solutions Australia or email lidia@visasolutions.com.au.

INDIA JOINS ETA LIST
India has entered into a trial arrangement with Australia to access our Visa system. DIMA offers electronic tourist visa applications in 46 countries and is working to extend this in other growth markets for the Australian tourism industry. For information contact Lidia@visasolutions.com for more info.

IMMIGRATION TIP OF THE MONTH
If you have a skill which is on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) and if you qualify for skilled migration, make a valid application as soon as possible to obtain the benefit of the listing. As a result of recent rulings, an applicant can gain the benefit of being on the demand list either at the time of grant of the visa or at the time of the initial application – whichever is more beneficial! Check the current list at immi.gov.au to see if your occupation is listed. Email Dan@visasolutions.com.au for more information.

MIA APPOINTS NEW CHIEF
Mr Bernie Waters has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Migration Institute of Australia, the peak industry body for registered migration agents. Previously a senior officer with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Mr Waters takes on the challenge of leading Australia’s migration agent membership body. Visa Solutions Australia wishes Bernie well in his new position.

ON THE HORIZON
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs has indicated that a number of changes are on the horizon to improve the integrity of the sc457 visa and perhaps deflect some criticisms of the visa from the union movement. Prospective changes may include English language requirements and classification of trade skills occupations into highly skilled and other occupations. Stay tuned for these important changes. For further information email Dan@visasolutions.com.au to discuss.

PERTH SKILLS EXPO NOVEMBER 2006
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs has announced that the second annual Australia Needs Skills Expo will be held in Perth on 11 November 2006. The Expos are being run for Australian employers to access new supplies of skilled workers. Contact Ian@visasolutions.com.au for more information. The TMR Group will be attending the Expo in Perth.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Rich nations have no choice. They will compete with each other globally for skilled workers. Any suggestion that Australia can meet its needs from the domestic market is nonsense.” The Hon. Andrew Robb, Parliamentary Secretary to the Immigration Minister.

UK TIGHTENS WORK ENTRY RULES!
The UK is likely to introduce work permits that will limit the number of Bulgarians and Romanians entering Britain. The permits may require migrants from the two countries to prove they can fill specific skill shortages in the UK. Romania, with 22 million people, is the poorest country yet to join the EU.

Daniel Engles
Registered Migration Agent No. 0213485
The Australian Government requires that people who give immigration assistance be registered as a Migration Agent

Phone: (+61 8) 9328 2664
Mobile: (+61 0) 413 024 966
Fax: (+61 8) 6267 8084
Email: dan@visasolutions.com.au Web: www.visasolutions.com.au
Postal Address: PO Box 369 Leederville WA 6903
Street Address: Suite 2, Building B, 661 Newcastle Street, WA 6007

Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained in or implied by this publication without taking appropriate professional advice. All financial figures are quoted in Australian Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

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