Immigration newsletter 29 Sep 2010

The UK Immigration Minister, Damian Green, stated that the Government would 'rigorously defend' any legal challenge to its interim migration limit. The interim immigration cap has caused serious problems for employers wishing to employ overseas workers under the Tier 2 visa scheme. It seems so far that the immigration cap has had less of an effect on the Tier 1 visa scheme; Due to changes in the immigration criteria fewer people qualify under the Tier 1 visa scheme.

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) is attempting to bring a judicial review against the government but so far the courts have not granted permission for the judicial review to proceed.

The South Australian State Government recently announced their new State Sponsorship list for overseas workers to live and work in South Australia. State Sponsorship is an excellent way for people with the right skills to immigrate to Australia.

One requirement for State Sponsorship is having skills in an occupation listed in South Australia's State Sponsorship Interim Occupation List, updated as of September 2010. This is a temporary occupation list identifying priority skills needed in South Australia.

Australia remains a very popular immigration destination. The new Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, and Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Kate Lundy have on behalf of the Australian government spoken in support of a diverse and multicultural Australia. The Immigration Minister went onto to say the following:

"The meaning of multicultural Australia far exceeds a portfolio title- it is about how we draw on the benefits of Australia's diversity and how we create an inclusive society," Bowen said.

A new website in 11 different languages makes it easier for Canadian immigrants to find community service information.

The 'In my language' website, developed by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), which represents more than 200 settlement agencies in Ontario provides an electronic library of translated content which will assist newcomers in adapting to life in Canada.

More than 3600 people from 118 countries became citizens at 68 ceremonies across Australia as part of Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September 2010.

Chris Bowen, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, said that citizenship is a "bond which unites" all Australians.