Abuses of 457 visa scheme multiplying The number of warnings given and penalties levied on employers for breaching the controversial 457 visa program has exploded in the past three years, backing union claims that the scheme is being widely exploited. Department of Immigration figures obtained by The Australian show the number of formal warnings issued to [...]

Australia’s Immigration Minister granted permanent residency to a German family whose application was twice denied because their 13-year-old son has Down syndrome. Minister Chris Evans ruled that Dr Bernhard Moeller and his family made a valuable contribution to their community and should be allowed to stay after their temporary visa expires in March 2010.-NZ Herald, November [...]

This update provides information on changes to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, changes to the Australian Citizenship Instructions (ACIs) new/updated legislative instruments. The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 has been amended by the Migration Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2008 [Act No. 85, 2008]. Items 3, 4, 5 and 14 of Schedule 5 of Act No. 85 of 2008 [...]

Australia’s department of immigration and citizenship DIAC has said that it would add Bulgaria, Romania and Poland to the list of countries whose citizens can use Australia’s electronic tourist visa system. Most applicants from the three Eastern European countries can look forward to having their visa applications processen within minutes of submitting them, DIAC secretary Andrew [...]

Australia goes after dodgy student agents Foreign operators dupe students by offering visas as part of package The Straits Times (Singapore), October 23, 2008 Sydney — Australia is to crack down on unscrupulous foreign agents who promise visas to overseas students as part of dubious education packages. Though data was not readily available, it is believed [...]

Migrant women speak out The Parramatta Sun (Australia), November 26, 2008 Migrant and refugee women with families say their children have been harassed and bullied at school because they look and dress differently and are unable to speak English very well. The women who are members of the Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association have reported such discrimination [...]

Australia’s Labour govt sees no illegal immigrant influx Reuters, November 25, 2008 Canberra (Reuters) — Australia’s Labour government said yesterday it remained on guard against illegal immigration, dismissing fears of an influx following softer laws and a plan to shut down the navy over Christmas to cut costs. The arrival in recent weeks of three [...]

Australia to let doctor with disabled son stay The International Herald Tribune (France), November 26, 2008 A German doctor whose family was twice denied permanent residency in Australia because his son has Down syndrome has been allowed to stay after the immigration minister intervened on his behalf. Bernhard Moeller moved to Australia with his wife [...]

When Baz Luhrmann’s epic hits screens next week, it’s sure to pique travellers’ interest in Western Australia. But as The Globe’s resident Aussie, Tenille Bonoguore reports, there’s a whole lot more to Oz than the bush From Saturday’s Globe and Mail (Canada) November 22, 2008 More than 20 years after Crocodile Dundee taught us to avoid reptile-infested water [...]