Immigration newsletter 23 Nov 2009

The British Prime Minister the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP on 12 November set out the United Kingdom Government’s views on immigration in a speech in west London.  The Government describes the UK immigration system as being tough but fair.

This is the first major speech by the British Prime Minister on immigration since February 2008.   Mr Brown feels that it is important that, if possible, British rather than migrant workers help to fill skill gaps.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published proposals for a revised shortage occupation list on 21 October 2009.   These proposals have been accepted in full by the UK Government.  
The changes from 14 December 2009 as recommended by MAC are as follows:
 

• A revised list of healthcare and engineering professionals 
• The continued inclusion of chefs, ballet dancers, work riders, veterinary surgeons and secondary teachers in maths and science, and sheep shearers.
• The addition of special needs teachers and skilled meat boners and trimmers. 
• The removal of ship and hovercraft officers.

A new report suggests that there could be a skills shortfall in Australia equivalent to 1.4 million workers by 2025.  The report recommends increasing levels of immigration and raising the retirement age to deal with future skills shortages.

A new greatly expanded study guide for Canadian citizenship was launched recently by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.  In particular those taking the Citizenship test from March 2010 onwards should study the Citizenship Guide.

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship covers freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the equality of men and women.   The Canadian Government hopes that the guide will help to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s history and values and the importance of institutions such as Parliament.   This is the first time that the guide has undergone such an extensive review since it was introduced in 1995.

USCIS announced on 13 November 2009 that approximately 55,600 H-1B cap subject petitions had been filed.   Also, that as already announced all 20,000 H-1B visas available for aliens with advanced degrees had been used and that new H-1B petitions filed for those with advanced degree will be counted against the general H-1B cap of 65,000.

The number of H-2B visas available per fiscal year is 66,000.  These are allocated on the following basis:
 

• 33,000 for employment beginning in the 1st half of the fiscal year from October 1 - March 31.
• 33,000 to be allocated for employment beginning in the 2nd half of the fiscal year from April 1 - September 30.

A number of overseas senior carer UK work permit holders have been refused indefinite leave to remain due to gaps in their leave to remain.  A judicial review prepared by Michael Mansfield QC’s Chambers is about to be lodged challenging the grounds for these refusals.   Senior Carers who wish to provide their support in the forthcoming legal action should contact Aston Brooke Solicitors.