Newsletter archive

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a new report that finds migrants who moved to Britain from countries that joined the European Union in 2004 are leaving in greater numbers than ever before. Over 1 million migrants have come to the UK from these Eastern European Union Member States, but about half have already left. The IPPR predicts fewer people coming from Eastern European countries in the coming months. Also, increasing numbers are going home. This is due to a number of factors that have changed since 2004.

16 recommendations - intended to improve Australia's temporary skilled migration program - made by the External Reference Group (ERG) are being implemented. The previously issued report covered areas such as long term planning, streamlining application & approval processes, and eliminating duplicate work & unnecessary administration. From July, specialized teams dedicated to regions experiencing severe shortages of skilled workers...

The United Kingdom's Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) has published details about the Tier 2 visa for skilled workers , intended to replace the current UK Work Permits scheme sometime during "the Autumn of 2008." Applicants will need to score a minimum of 70 points in three areas: Attributes, Maintenance, and English Language Ability. An employer must be approved by the BIA to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which individuals must submit with an application. Vacancies must come under the Skills Shortage Occupations List or the requirements of a Resident Labour Market test must be met.

The United Kingdom published updated information about Tier 5 visas under the new five-tiered, points-based system. Tier 5 visas cover so-called "youth-mobility workers" - people between the ages of 18 and 30 coming to Britain to work for up to 2 years. The visa is not renewable, and...

On 19 May 2008 the United Kingdom made temporary changes to the documentation requirements for those applying under the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Migrant visa. The UK Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) now requires an original letter from a relevant UK professional body confirming equivalency of an applicant's overseas qualification. This must be submitted with the Tier 1 application. The letter must meet certain detailed requirements as stated by BIA.

Immigrants to the Ontario region of Canada have a new opportunity for language training and post-secondary educational qualifications. CAD $5.5 million in federal funding has been allocated to the Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning for local immigrants. The funding allows individuals a chance to obtain a qualification from a recognized Canadian educational institution. People taking advantage of the new services will have access to career centers, as well as other facilities and services that students...

Australia is increasing the minimum salary employers must pay foreign workers under the 457 visa scheme. The increase is one of several reforms designed to "improve the integrity of the program," according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Up to 24,000 temporary overseas skilled workers are likely to be affected by the changes. Minimum salary levels for 457 visa holders have been frozen for the last two years. Previous minimum salary increases were only applied to new entrants; this new increase applies to all 457 visa holders.

A recent survey by Synovate, a global market research company, found that 20% of South Africans were planning to move to another country or were seriously considering it. Possible immigration overseas was most popular with people between the ages of 18 and 44. Australia's points-based, General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a wonderful opportunity for South Africans looking...