Sunday, February 27, 2011

Strict new criteria for Sri Lanka dual citizenship

Foreign nationals now holding dual citizenship in Sri Lanka are to have their status reviewed. For this purpose they will be required to face an interview where their eligibility under new criteria will be examined.

“These are some of the new aspects now under consideration,” Immigration and Emigration Controller Chulananda Perera told the Sunday Times. He said the new procedures for granting dual citizenship would be discussed by him and his officials with President Mahinda Rajapaksa shortly.

On February 15, the government announced that it would suspend the dual citizenship scheme. More than 3,500 people of Sri Lankan origin who hold citizenship in foreign countries have enjoyed the dual citizenship status so far. The cases of a further 750 applicants, who want to obtain dual citizenship as Sri Lankans, are still pending.

“The dual citizenship scheme is not serving its purpose. It was introduced with a different intention. We are now concerned over who is obtaining dual citizenship,” Controller Perera said.

Other sources in the Department of Immigration said that the existing dual citizenship scheme had not benefited the country. In some instances, people holding dual citizenship as Sri Lankans had returned to Sri Lanka only to buy properties and avoid paying higher taxes. Foreign nationals are required to pay tax to the value of the property they acquire. It has also come to light that several persons who had left Sri Lanka years ago and sought asylum in foreign countries had become dual Sri Lankan citizens.

“The new criteria will ensure those seeking dual Sri Lankan citizenship make a contribution to the country’s economy,” another senior official of the Department said.

At present, a person seeking dual citizenship in Sri Lanka is required to hold a university degree or at least a two-year diploma. They are required to have a deposit of Rs 2.5 million for over a year in a bank account in Sri Lanka. In the alternative, they are required to adduce proof of wealth including land in Sri Lanka valued at Rs 2.5 million. Holders of Non Resident Foreign Currency (NRFC) accounts with US $ 25,000 also qualify. Another category who are granted dual Sri Lankan citizenship are persons of stature, like for example, the late Arthur C. Clarke.

The main applicant, according to the scheme now suspended, is required to pay Rs 200,000. The spouse and children under 18 years are required to pay Rs 50,000 each.

Source:http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110227/News/nws_01.html

Updated system awaits official approval:Dual citizenship not stopped- Immigration Controller

Immigration and Emigration Controller Chulananda Perera said that there was no truth in the rumour that the Government has stopped issuing dual citizenship for Sri Lankan expatriates.

He said there was a temporary suspension in effect at present to update the system.

“We have completed formulating the updated version. It will be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa shortly”, the Controller said adding that they were awaiting official approval.

Expatriates who are already holding dual citizenship will not be affected by the temporary suspension, the Controller said.

Following the defeat of the LTTE and the end of terrorism there was a sharp increase in the number of applications for dual citizenship.

The Department receives an average of 350 applications per month. However, in December, the Department received as many as 500 applications for dual citizenship.

The Immigration and Emigration Department is under the purview of the Defence Ministry and hence President Rajapaksa, the Defence Minister has to approve the new processing mechanism to award dual citizenship.

“We are the authority to issue dual citizenship certificates and there is definitely no move by the Government to deprive Sri Lankan expatriates of obtaining dual citizenship here,” the Controller said.

At present only around 4,000 Sri Lankan expatriates hold dual citizenship, a spokesman for the Immigration Department said.

Following amendments to the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948, Sri Lanka began issuing dual citizenship to Sri Lankan expatriates in 1987. Any Sri Lankan who obtains citizenship of another country will loose his or her Sri Lankan citizenship by law.

An applicant should pay an equivalent of Rs. 200,000, spouse Rs. 50,000 and children below 18 years Rs. 50,000 each to the State to obtain dual citizenship status of Sri Lanka, the Controller said.

Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/02/27/new03.asp

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Sri Lanka Dual citizenship claims put on hold

The Government has put on hold the issuing of fresh dual citizenships until further notice because the present system has to be changed and upgraded, Immigration Controller W. A. Chulananda Perera said yesterday.

This also applies to applications that have already been approved and due for payment, he said.
“From now on we need to provide this privilege only to persons that will be of maximum benefit to the country and not otherwise,” Mr. Perera said.

He said, for example, a professor or a PHD holder would be considered in a different manner since such people could be of benefit to the country

Persons who do not fall into to the proper and required categories will be denied this facility but there will always be transparency at the end, he explained. He added that under the present system there are four categories in which a person could apply for dual citizenship.

They are that a prospective applicant should be a degree holder, or a senior citizen above the age of 55, own property to the value of Rs. 2.5. million or have a bank deposit of US$ 25,000. “We need to change all this and make the set up more transparent. There is no hidden agenda or security factor and neither is there targeting any particular individual,” he said.

He denied reports that moves were underway to deny this facility to certain individuals or to do away with it altogether. Mr. Perera also refused to deny or confirm if there would be an increase in the present fee of Rs. 200,000 for dual citizenship.

Source:http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110220/News/nws_07.html

Friday, February 18, 2011

Overseas Birth Registration for Children born outside Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan parents

To whom is this applicable ?


Children born outside Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan parents (At least one of the parents should be a Sri Lankan) needs to be registered at this department within one year of birth for the confirmation of the child’s citizenship. A certificate for the Registration of Birth is issued to the applicant.

What will happen if I fail to register the birth of my child within one year ?

A fine will be imposed in the event of failure to register the birth of a child within a period of one year from the date of birth.

What are the documents required to be handed over with the completed application form ?

1. Birth Certificate of the child issued by the country where the birth took place. (If the original Birth Certificate is not in English, an English translation should be attached.)

2. Consular Birth Certificate issued by the Registration General Department of Sri Lanka OR a letter issued from the nearest Sri Lankan Mission including following details;

* Name of the child

* Date of birth

* Sex

* Father’s Name

* Nationality of father

* Mother’s Maiden Name

* Nationality of mother

3. Birth Certificates of parents

4. If the applicant (father or mother) is a Sri Lankan citizen by registration, the relevant certificate

5. Marriage Certificate of parents

6. Travel Documents and Visas held by parents to prove residence abroad at the time of the child's birth

7. Declaration that the applicant (father/mother) has not acquired citizenship of a country other than Sri Lanka at the time of the child's birth

Note: [2-7 of above documents should be submitted with photocopies along with the original]

Where can I obtain an Application Form ?

1. Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Ananda Rajakaruna Mw, Colombo 10.

2. Sri Lankan Mission in the country of residence.

3. To download a printable version of application click here

Citizenship Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration will process the applications and mail the certificates to the respective Sri Lankan Mission for onward transmission to the applicant.

For more info:http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149&Itemid=188&lang=en

Dual Citizenship of Sri Lanka

What is Dual Citizenship?
Under usual circumstances, when a Sri Lankan acquires the citizenship of another country, he/she automatically loses his/her Sri Lankan citizenship. However it is possible for an individual to -

1. Retain Sri Lankan citizenship when acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country. This is called ‘Retention of Citizenship’.
2. Resume Sri Lankan citizenship at a later point of time; after losing it when acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country. This is called ‘Resumption of Citizenship’.

An individual who has citizenship in both Sri Lanka and a foreign country is considered a dual citizen of Sri Lanka.

Retention of Sri Lankan Citizenship

How can I apply for retention of Sri Lankan citizenship ?
You can apply for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka prior to obtaining the citizenship of another country, if –

1. You are Sri Lankan by descent or by registration
2. You are holding a permanent resident status of another country
3. You wish to apply for the citizenship of that country


Resumption of Sri Lankan citizenship

How can I apply for resumption of Sri Lankan citizenship ?
You can resume your Sri Lankan citizenship after obtaining the citizenship of another country. You will not be a Sri Lankan citizen from the time you obtained the citizenship of another country to the time of resumption of your Sri Lankan citizenship.

Click here to learn about the legal provisions of obtaining dual citizenship in Sri Lanka by retention or resumption.


Renunciation of Sri Lankan Citizenship

Who can request for renunciation of Sri Lankan Citizenship ?
A Sri Lankan of full age (22 years) and sound mind, who is eligible to obtain the citizenship of another country,
Please click here for more information about the legal provisions regarding the citizenship of Sri Lanka.


Who can apply For Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship ?

1. An ex - Sri Lankan holding the citizenship of a foreign country
2. A Sri Lankan qualified to receive citizenship of a foreign country and who may contribute to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka can apply for dual citizenship.

List of Countries where Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship is accepted
Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, United States of America, Canada

Can the family members of the main applicant apply too ?

Yes. The main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children below 18 years of age may also apply for Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship with the main applicant. Additional fee per member will be charged.
(See Citizenship Fee Table)

What are the Documents Required to be Submitted with the Application

1. Original Birth Certificate of the Applicant.
2. If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, the relevant certificate.
3. If the applicant is married, the Marriage Certificate.
4. Foreign Citizenship Certificate, Foreign Travel Document or Permanent Residence Visa of the Applicant.
5. Applicant’s most recent Sri Lankan passport, previous Sri Lankan Passports (if any) or an affidavit stating non-availability of a Sri Lankan Passport.(Please submit photocopies of the above documents along with the originals.)

Additional Compulsory Documents Required under Each Category

* Professional Category

To be considered for the Professional Category the Applicant must possess a Degree or Post Graduate Qualifications from a recognized institute.

* Wealth Category

To be considered for the Wealth Category Applicant must possesses an immovable property or properties in Sri Lanka valued at not less than LKR 2.5 million

1. Originals of the documentary proof confirming the applicant’s ownership of Lands or other immovable properties in Sri Lanka valued at or above LKR. 2.5 Million and copies.
2. Originals of Deeds and copies
3. Original Valuation report, and Title Report obtained within two months. from the date of application.

* Fixed Deposit Category

To be considered for this category Applicant must maintain a fixed deposit of not less than LKR 2.5 million for a minimum period of one year.

1. Originals of the documentary proof for maintaining a Fixed Deposit of an amount not less than LKR 2.5 million, for a minimum period of one year from the date of application, in any commercial bank in Sri Lanka.
2. Original fixed deposit certificate and a copy.
3. A letter from the respective bank confirming the fixed eposit.

* Senior Citizen Category

To be considered under this category the Applicant must be over 55 years of age at the time of application.

1. Original birth certificate and a copy

* NRFC/RFC/SFIDA category

If the applicant is willing to invest in a Non-Resident Foreign Currency (NRFC), Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) or Special Foreign Investment Deposit Accounts (SFIDA), he/she can apply for dual citizenship. Relevant supporting documents must be submitted with the duly completed Application Form.

1. A letter stating the willingness of the applicant to invest in one of the above mentioned accounts. The relevant deposits shall be frozen as follows from the date of approval, in any commercial bank in Sri Lanka

For more info: http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=186&lang=en

Motor Mechanic Career Information - Victoria

Motor Mechanic Career Information


There are approximately 97,600 motor mechanics working in Australia with around 23,228 motor mechanics located in Victoria1.

Victoria is currently offering visa sponsorship for motor mechanics. To be eligible for sponsorship, motor mechanics must:

* have a minimum of five years experience.

Earning potential

According to the Australian Government's Job Search website, average gross weekly wages for a motor mechanic are approximately AUD$7402.

Wages will vary according to your level of skill and qualification. For more information about your wage earning potential, visit the jobseeker sites listed below under Finding a job.

Skills Australia has also released a report with further information on the current labour market for motor mechanics (general).

Licensing and registration

There are no licensing or registration requirements for motor mechanics working in Victoria.

Employers

Motor mechanics are employed by service stations and car dealers. They may work for the public sector- for example, in defence, communications and public transport; in large workshops; or in their own businesses.
Motor mechanics are employed across several industries including: Retail Trade; Manufacturing; and Transport, Postal and Warehousing; and other Services3.

Industry contacts

Professional bodies and industry associations are a good source of information about motor mechanics in Victoria.

* Automotive Training Australia is a national body, overseeing training and standards in the automotive industry. It provides skill recognition services and jobs information

* The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) represents small and medium sized businesses in the Victorian motor industry. It provides advice, technical assistance and jobs information.

Tip

We recommend that you do not apply for jobs until your visa to live and work in Australia has been issued. The visa application process can take some time, and employers are generally unlikely to choose you for a job if you are not sure when you will arrive in Australia and do not have a visa allowing you to work.

Finding a job

To search for Victorian recruiters who specialise in motor mechanics, visit the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association's Member Index.

For more general information on Victoria’s job market, including where and how to find jobs, and workplace culture, visit the Working & Employment section.

Migrating to Victoria

Detailed information about how to migrate to Australia, including information about visa sponsorship from the Victorian Government, is available in the Visas and Immigrating section. You can also find detailed information about visa pathways including employer sponsorship on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website.

Skill Assessment Information

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has nominated two different assessing authorities, which you should apply to depending upon the country you are living in.

For people living in the following countries, VETASSESS is the assessing authority for the occupation of motor mechanic:

* India

* Sri Lanka

* United Kingdom

* South Africa

* Philippines

If you are successful, VETASSESS will issue you with a migration skills assessment, and also an Australian Qualification (Certificate III) in Motor Mechanics. This will allow you to work as a motor mechanic in Victoria. For further information on VETASSESS skills assessment requirements, please contact:

VETASSESS

Qualification Assessment Services

GPO Box 2752, Melbourne

VIC, 3001, AUS

Tel: +61 3 9655 4801

Fax: +61 3 9654 2773

Email: migrate@vetassess.com.au

Website: www.skillassess.com.au

For people living in all other countries, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the assessing authority for the occupation of motor mechanic. For further information, please contact:

Trades Recognition Australia

GPO Box 9879, Canberra

ACT, 2601, AUS

Tel: +61 2 6121 7456

Fax: +61 2 6121 7768

Email: traenquiries@deewr.gov.au

Website: www.workplace.gov.au/tra

Source:http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/working-and-employment/occupations/motor-mechanic

Indian Students ahead with highest transition rate to work and Pemanent Residency in NZ

HAMILTON: Students from India who come to New Zealand have the highest rate of transition to work (72 percent) after completing their studies, followed by students from China (43 percent), says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman here Friday.

Similarly, students from India also have the highest rate of transition to permanent residence (47 percent), again followed by students from China (23 percent), he adds.
Around one third of international students who come to New Zealand keep following their studies to contribute to the New Zealand economy and workforce. According to Department of Labour research, around 31 percent of fee paying international students are progressing to work after their studies and around one-fifth are gaining permanent residence.

“Not only does New Zealand gain from the economic benefits of having them study here, many international students stay on providing longer-term benefits by contributing their skills to our workforce and economy,’’ Dr Coleman says. “This research shows that New Zealand is an attractive place to study because of the quality and cost of education in an English speaking country”, added Dr Coleman.
‘’Another plus for fee-paying foreign students is the recent introduction of interim visas which allows them to continue studying while applying for visas to further their studies. This will smooth the enrolment process for education providers.’’

It is pertinent to mention here that export education is one of New Zealand’s top five export industries and almost five percent rise in the number of international students for the first eight months of 2010,
compared to the same period 2009 (from 78,905 to 82,577) have been recorded by Labour Department.
The research also found 68 percent of former international students were in fulltime employment 18 months after gaining permanent residence. Nearly one-third – 31 percent – worked in professional occupations and 62 percent worked in a skilled job.

“This research report confirms what we are actually seeing in the marketplace” says Richard Howard, Managing Director of Pathways to New Zealand Ltd one of New Zealand’s longest established immigration and education advisers. “The main reasons international students study in New Zealand remains the quality and cost of their education and the opportunities to work after completing their studies, and also to achieve permanent residence.” New Zealand’s immigration policies provide an attractive and smooth pathway for graduates to enter the work force and to gain the necessary experience and work placement to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category, he added.

As the Minister has advised the immigration policies by which students currently progress from study to work, and then residence, are currently under review. “It is possible there will be some immigration policy changes in this area in the future with any changes likely to result in students who study full bachelor degree and postgraduate degrees being given higher recognition as far as immigration benefits are concerned while students studying lower level, shorter programmes may not receive the same immigration policy benefits”, said Dr. Coleman.

Source:http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/indian-students-ahead-highest-transition-rate-work-and-pemanent-residency-nz/28722