THE hammering taken by US university endowment funds has opened up the world's most competitive education system to Australian expertise in recruiting and educating overseas students, according to Navitas chief Rod Jones.
"It's only in the last two years that the [postgraduate-oriented] US has become interested in the overseas undergraduate student market," Mr Jones said.
"It's partly linked to endowment funds taking a big hit from the [global financial crisis].
"They are looking for alternative ways of generating income and undergraduates are seen as providing that."
His comments follow a string of US deals by Navitas - Australia's largest provider of university foundation programs for overseas students - and by education agent IDP in the past month.
Defying headwinds from India, Australia was now exporting its expertise in recruiting and educating overseas students to the US, Mr Jones said.
Navitas will provide foundation and first-year university programs for the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and Lowell, and the University of Western Kentucky later this year.
IDP has struck deals with 24 US universities and colleges, including the University of Mississippi and that of Tampa, to recruit Asian and Indian students for their programs.
The new deals bring to 27 the number of US universities and colleges to take advantage of Australian expertise in the global market for undergraduates.
Mr Jones said there was unlikely to be any adverse effect on Navitas's 14 Australian university clients from its initial $4.5 million push into the US.
"We aren't factoring in any reduction in our numbers for Australia , the UK or Canada. There will be additional growth in the [global] market and some of that will be taken up in the US."
Similarly, IDP chief Tony Pollock has shrugged off concerns that the US push by IDP could have a distracting or adverse effect on the Australian market.
Mr Pollock said there were huge numbers of top students from China and elsewhere who had the US as their first choice and were lost to Australian universities because they had no contact with them.
"I believe [the US push] will have a positive impact [on Australia]," Mr Pollock said.
"But I appreciate the only way in which it can be proven is when it's done."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/us-gains-from-our-expertise/story-e6frgcjx-1225823749396
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Britain and US preferred by China students
THE best student recruiters in China are switching to the US and Britain as destinations, says agent John Findley.
"All agents [in China] are fed up with our current government's attitude to migration," said Mr Findley, who has just attended this month's Beijing International Education Expo. China is Australia's biggest market.
"Everyone knows students come to Australia for the prospect of migration - everyone, that is, with the exception of the Labor Party and their trade union advisers."
Mr Findley, an education and migration agent who represents a range of providers and spends 50 per cent of his time on the road in China, said other reasons for the desertion of brand Australia were the exchange rate, perceived value for money, less attractive commissions for agents and the greater ease of securing visas to the US and Britain.
"Australian institutions increase fees every year, which is seen as price gouging," he said.
"In China, the publicity given to [alleged] gouging tactics of BHP Billiton and Rio in iron ore negotiations ensures that we are tarred with the same brush - Aussies are now seen as scurrilous, greedy suppliers."
He said the US F1 and British Tier 4 student visas were regarded as easier to get than Australia's 573 student visa.
"Australia is seen as second rate in the global education stakes. We get the student business because the students see a pathway to migration."
That pathway has been made much narrower following staggered reforms that the export education industry has criticised as poorly managed.
Mr Findley said all the agency sales staff he had met in Beijing were trying to get into their company's US department.
"The best recruiters are deserting Australia. All agencies, including [Australia's biggest education broker] IDP, promote the US on their websites. These days, most make the US their headline offering, many are relegating Australia to third, or fourth behind New Zealand. Australia was usually the headline."
An IDP spokesman said it did not promote the US ahead of Australia. "Australia is the main part of our business and will remain so. By offering the US as a destination, as well as Australia, we reach a far larger pool of students interested in international education," the spokesman said.
Tomorrow, Austrade formally takes over from the federal education department the job of marketing education overseas.
Although the offshore Australian Education Centres are to close, Austrade has appointed Adelaide University's Eliza Chui as trade commissioner (education) for the northeast Asia region.
Jane Wallis, a Mandarin-speaker who has worked for Deloitte and PwC in China, will be the new trade commissioner (education) in China.
An Austrade spokesman said the China market was holding up well. "The number of Chinese student commencements in Australia's higher education sector grew by 25 per cent in the year to April 2010," he said.
However, at the end of April this newspaper reported a bleak outlook.
Thomas Wang, of education agent China Star in Beijing, said: "Some universities are expecting a fall of 20 to 30 per cent. I think that's quite optimistic - I think there will be a fall of 50 per cent for some universities."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/britain-and-us-preferred-by-china-students/story-e6frgcjx-1225885855025
"All agents [in China] are fed up with our current government's attitude to migration," said Mr Findley, who has just attended this month's Beijing International Education Expo. China is Australia's biggest market.
"Everyone knows students come to Australia for the prospect of migration - everyone, that is, with the exception of the Labor Party and their trade union advisers."
Mr Findley, an education and migration agent who represents a range of providers and spends 50 per cent of his time on the road in China, said other reasons for the desertion of brand Australia were the exchange rate, perceived value for money, less attractive commissions for agents and the greater ease of securing visas to the US and Britain.
"Australian institutions increase fees every year, which is seen as price gouging," he said.
"In China, the publicity given to [alleged] gouging tactics of BHP Billiton and Rio in iron ore negotiations ensures that we are tarred with the same brush - Aussies are now seen as scurrilous, greedy suppliers."
He said the US F1 and British Tier 4 student visas were regarded as easier to get than Australia's 573 student visa.
"Australia is seen as second rate in the global education stakes. We get the student business because the students see a pathway to migration."
That pathway has been made much narrower following staggered reforms that the export education industry has criticised as poorly managed.
Mr Findley said all the agency sales staff he had met in Beijing were trying to get into their company's US department.
"The best recruiters are deserting Australia. All agencies, including [Australia's biggest education broker] IDP, promote the US on their websites. These days, most make the US their headline offering, many are relegating Australia to third, or fourth behind New Zealand. Australia was usually the headline."
An IDP spokesman said it did not promote the US ahead of Australia. "Australia is the main part of our business and will remain so. By offering the US as a destination, as well as Australia, we reach a far larger pool of students interested in international education," the spokesman said.
Tomorrow, Austrade formally takes over from the federal education department the job of marketing education overseas.
Although the offshore Australian Education Centres are to close, Austrade has appointed Adelaide University's Eliza Chui as trade commissioner (education) for the northeast Asia region.
Jane Wallis, a Mandarin-speaker who has worked for Deloitte and PwC in China, will be the new trade commissioner (education) in China.
An Austrade spokesman said the China market was holding up well. "The number of Chinese student commencements in Australia's higher education sector grew by 25 per cent in the year to April 2010," he said.
However, at the end of April this newspaper reported a bleak outlook.
Thomas Wang, of education agent China Star in Beijing, said: "Some universities are expecting a fall of 20 to 30 per cent. I think that's quite optimistic - I think there will be a fall of 50 per cent for some universities."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/britain-and-us-preferred-by-china-students/story-e6frgcjx-1225885855025
No plans to cap the number of foreign students: Australia
Australia Wednesday said it is not changing its student visa policy and there are no plans to cap the number of foreign students studying in the country.
The Australian High Commission issued a statement after media reports stated that around 15,000 Indian students could be forced to return after the new visa policy comes into force July 1.
"First, we are making changes to Australia's skilled migration programme not our student visa programme," said the statement.
It added that these changes were not India-specific.
"They are not targeted at India or any other country. They were not triggered by the problems of the last year over attacks on Indian students," said the High Commission.
"No student, whether from India or elsewhere, currently studying in Australia is going to be asked to cease their course because of changes to our skilled migration programme. They will be allowed to complete their studies. Many have visas that enable them to study courses for several years," said the statement.
At the same time, it was pointed out that a student visa holder is in Australia for only a temporary specified period to study and is not guaranteed migration.
The commission also clarified that there were no plans to restrict the number of student visas.
"These concerns relate to a bill that is currently before the Australian parliament. The amendments proposed in this bill have been designed to manage the skilled migration programme and ensure it meets the labour market needs of the Australian economy as flexibly as possible. There are no plans to apply this to the student visa programme," said the press release.
After their studies, international students can apply for a temporary skilled graduate visa which will give them 18 months with full work rights, it added.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/travel/visa-power/No-plans-to-cap-the-number-of-foreign-students-Australia/articleshow/6111971.cms
The Australian High Commission issued a statement after media reports stated that around 15,000 Indian students could be forced to return after the new visa policy comes into force July 1.
"First, we are making changes to Australia's skilled migration programme not our student visa programme," said the statement.
It added that these changes were not India-specific.
"They are not targeted at India or any other country. They were not triggered by the problems of the last year over attacks on Indian students," said the High Commission.
"No student, whether from India or elsewhere, currently studying in Australia is going to be asked to cease their course because of changes to our skilled migration programme. They will be allowed to complete their studies. Many have visas that enable them to study courses for several years," said the statement.
At the same time, it was pointed out that a student visa holder is in Australia for only a temporary specified period to study and is not guaranteed migration.
The commission also clarified that there were no plans to restrict the number of student visas.
"These concerns relate to a bill that is currently before the Australian parliament. The amendments proposed in this bill have been designed to manage the skilled migration programme and ensure it meets the labour market needs of the Australian economy as flexibly as possible. There are no plans to apply this to the student visa programme," said the press release.
After their studies, international students can apply for a temporary skilled graduate visa which will give them 18 months with full work rights, it added.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/travel/visa-power/No-plans-to-cap-the-number-of-foreign-students-Australia/articleshow/6111971.cms
Australia slams door on migrants with low-value education
Entering Australia on the pretext of pursuing vocational courses such as hairdressing and cookery and settling down there will no longer be possible from July 1, as the government Down Under has tightened immigration norms.
Besides pruning the list of skilled occupations it will consider for immigration, the government has made qualification under the international English language testing system mandatory for those applying for work and permanent stay in Australia. Incidentally, Canada has also announced similar norms.
The policy change will affect thousands of Indian students who have enrolled for vocational courses in Australia with the aim of gaining permanent residency.
The new skilled occupations list (SOL) is designed to crack down on people seeking a back-door entry by acquiring low-value skills. It will not affect students going to Australia only for studies.
The Australian government said on its website the new SOL was a reform undertaken to overhaul its skilled migration programme while closing the door on those trying to manipulate the system.
Now, only people with relevant qualifications in occupations listed on SOL will be eligible for independent general skilled migration, it said.
The list contains 181 high-value occupations to ensure Australia’s skilled migration programme is “demand-driven rather than supply-driven”. The old list contained more than 400 occupations.
“Australia’s migration program cannot be determined by courses studied by international students. This SOL represents a new direction which aims to ensure we choose migrants who have the skills to meet our nation’s economic needs.
International students who have the skills our economy needs will still be able to apply for permanent migration or be nominated by employers, but we will no longer accept the thousands of cooks and hairdressers who applied under the old guidelines,” the website quoted minister for immigration and citizenship Chris Evans.
Earlier, people who completed short courses such as cooking and hairdressing were almost assured of permanent residency as skilled migrants despite low English skills.
Of the 41 000 general skilled visas Australia issued during 2007-08, more than 5,000 went to cooks and hairdressers.
Officials in the external affairs ministry said the measures would not affect “genuine” Indian students but put restrictions on those trying to sneak into Australia by other means.
Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_australia-slams-door-on-migrants-with-low-value-education_1403663
Besides pruning the list of skilled occupations it will consider for immigration, the government has made qualification under the international English language testing system mandatory for those applying for work and permanent stay in Australia. Incidentally, Canada has also announced similar norms.
The policy change will affect thousands of Indian students who have enrolled for vocational courses in Australia with the aim of gaining permanent residency.
The new skilled occupations list (SOL) is designed to crack down on people seeking a back-door entry by acquiring low-value skills. It will not affect students going to Australia only for studies.
The Australian government said on its website the new SOL was a reform undertaken to overhaul its skilled migration programme while closing the door on those trying to manipulate the system.
Now, only people with relevant qualifications in occupations listed on SOL will be eligible for independent general skilled migration, it said.
The list contains 181 high-value occupations to ensure Australia’s skilled migration programme is “demand-driven rather than supply-driven”. The old list contained more than 400 occupations.
“Australia’s migration program cannot be determined by courses studied by international students. This SOL represents a new direction which aims to ensure we choose migrants who have the skills to meet our nation’s economic needs.
International students who have the skills our economy needs will still be able to apply for permanent migration or be nominated by employers, but we will no longer accept the thousands of cooks and hairdressers who applied under the old guidelines,” the website quoted minister for immigration and citizenship Chris Evans.
Earlier, people who completed short courses such as cooking and hairdressing were almost assured of permanent residency as skilled migrants despite low English skills.
Of the 41 000 general skilled visas Australia issued during 2007-08, more than 5,000 went to cooks and hairdressers.
Officials in the external affairs ministry said the measures would not affect “genuine” Indian students but put restrictions on those trying to sneak into Australia by other means.
Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_australia-slams-door-on-migrants-with-low-value-education_1403663
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
New Australians come, earn and go
New rules, not spin, are needed on the type of migrants Australia is looking for, writes Joanna Howe.
Australia is replacing its history of permanent migration with a preference for those who come, work and leave.
Since concerns about a big Australia began to take root last year, the question of who makes up Australia's population has become politically explosive. It's no longer just about ''queue-jumping'' boat people: it's about asylum seekers, international students, temporary migrant workers and all those seeking to get a grab at the Australian way of life.
Our new Prime Minister is smart. Julia Gillard knows John Howard's battlers well and knows her government is losing them in the face of Tony Abbott's scare campaign depicting an Australia swamped by waves of desperado boat people.
Gillard's interview with Laurie Oakes on Sunday repeated the buzz words ''our sanctuary'' and ''sustainable population''. Her appearance was primarily used to assuage the battlers' fears we are being swamped by non-Australians.
In case we think she's anti-immigration, Gillard is quick to point to her migrant credentials, referring to her parents as ''the right kind of migrants'' whom Australia needed at the time to build the nation. When pressed as to how to distinguish the right kind of migrant from the wrong kind, Gillard says we need to "make sure we've got a focus on employers sponsoring people who are the skilled labour that they need … if we need skilled migrants, then of course we should enable them to come".
But when Gillard's mother and father migrated, Australia's policy was one of permanent migration. Migrants were sponsored by Australian employers and were encouraged to become citizens. The focus was on permanence: tapping into skilled workers who could come to Australia and help build the Australian way of life.
Yet the Gillard government and its two predecessors have unequivocally given priority to temporary migration. For the first time in our history we now have more overseas migrants arriving on temporary visas than for permanent settlement.
The 457 visa scheme, initially introduced in 1996 under the guise of meeting chronic skills shortages for IT and health professionals, has ballooned, bringing in huge numbers of migrant workers who come for a stint and leave once their job is done. These temporary workers have no incentive to help build the Australian way of life; their family, cultural and economic ties are overseas.
There's nothing wrong with this shift to temporary migration if our politicians are being honest with us about what they are doing and why they are doing it. However, from Howard to Rudd to Gillard, we keep getting doublespeak.
Howard was adamant his 457 visa scheme only allowed in skilled workers. But by 2006 nearly a quarter of all 457 visa holders were low- or semi-skilled workers such as travel agents, hairdressers, sales assistants, transport clerks, cooks and bakers: hardly jobs Australians cannot do or be trained to do.
Labor's reforms have only weeded out some of the low-skilled workers allowed in via Howard's loophole. These workers still get 457 visas despite a new obligation on employers to seek governmental permission before engaging low-skilled migrants.
There are too few checks and balances because of the structural problem that the 457 visa is aimed at skilled migration. Applicants has to prove on paper that their skills match Australian standards, but there is no opportunity at the time of assessment for independent scrutiny.
Labor has failed to tackle other problems that leave some migrant workers vulnerable. Despite Labor's policy of protecting all workers' entitlements, migrant workers, often the first to be let go when businesses are in trouble, lose their hard-earned entitlements under the government's General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (unlike their Australian counterparts).
While migrant workers previously had employer-covered healthcare, they now have to fund it themselves and cannot gain access to Medicare even though they pay taxes like the rest of us. And migrant workers who earn above $81,000 are exempt from English testing, meaning they are susceptible to unsafe work practices.
Gillard should be honest about what her rejection of a big Australia entails. While she has made it clear she does not want our population to reach 36 million by 2050, is she still opening the back door to temporary migrants? These workers are not like Gillard's parents - they cannot vote, their children cannot aspire to be prime minister and ultimately they return back home.
Is it desirable to surreptitiously replace Australia's tradition of permanent migration with temporary migrant workers who are often low-skilled, have no long-term commitment to Australia and are vulnerable to exploitation?
Source:http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/new-australians-come-earn-and-go-20100629-ziun.html
Australia is replacing its history of permanent migration with a preference for those who come, work and leave.
Since concerns about a big Australia began to take root last year, the question of who makes up Australia's population has become politically explosive. It's no longer just about ''queue-jumping'' boat people: it's about asylum seekers, international students, temporary migrant workers and all those seeking to get a grab at the Australian way of life.
Our new Prime Minister is smart. Julia Gillard knows John Howard's battlers well and knows her government is losing them in the face of Tony Abbott's scare campaign depicting an Australia swamped by waves of desperado boat people.
Gillard's interview with Laurie Oakes on Sunday repeated the buzz words ''our sanctuary'' and ''sustainable population''. Her appearance was primarily used to assuage the battlers' fears we are being swamped by non-Australians.
In case we think she's anti-immigration, Gillard is quick to point to her migrant credentials, referring to her parents as ''the right kind of migrants'' whom Australia needed at the time to build the nation. When pressed as to how to distinguish the right kind of migrant from the wrong kind, Gillard says we need to "make sure we've got a focus on employers sponsoring people who are the skilled labour that they need … if we need skilled migrants, then of course we should enable them to come".
But when Gillard's mother and father migrated, Australia's policy was one of permanent migration. Migrants were sponsored by Australian employers and were encouraged to become citizens. The focus was on permanence: tapping into skilled workers who could come to Australia and help build the Australian way of life.
Yet the Gillard government and its two predecessors have unequivocally given priority to temporary migration. For the first time in our history we now have more overseas migrants arriving on temporary visas than for permanent settlement.
The 457 visa scheme, initially introduced in 1996 under the guise of meeting chronic skills shortages for IT and health professionals, has ballooned, bringing in huge numbers of migrant workers who come for a stint and leave once their job is done. These temporary workers have no incentive to help build the Australian way of life; their family, cultural and economic ties are overseas.
There's nothing wrong with this shift to temporary migration if our politicians are being honest with us about what they are doing and why they are doing it. However, from Howard to Rudd to Gillard, we keep getting doublespeak.
Howard was adamant his 457 visa scheme only allowed in skilled workers. But by 2006 nearly a quarter of all 457 visa holders were low- or semi-skilled workers such as travel agents, hairdressers, sales assistants, transport clerks, cooks and bakers: hardly jobs Australians cannot do or be trained to do.
Labor's reforms have only weeded out some of the low-skilled workers allowed in via Howard's loophole. These workers still get 457 visas despite a new obligation on employers to seek governmental permission before engaging low-skilled migrants.
There are too few checks and balances because of the structural problem that the 457 visa is aimed at skilled migration. Applicants has to prove on paper that their skills match Australian standards, but there is no opportunity at the time of assessment for independent scrutiny.
Labor has failed to tackle other problems that leave some migrant workers vulnerable. Despite Labor's policy of protecting all workers' entitlements, migrant workers, often the first to be let go when businesses are in trouble, lose their hard-earned entitlements under the government's General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (unlike their Australian counterparts).
While migrant workers previously had employer-covered healthcare, they now have to fund it themselves and cannot gain access to Medicare even though they pay taxes like the rest of us. And migrant workers who earn above $81,000 are exempt from English testing, meaning they are susceptible to unsafe work practices.
Gillard should be honest about what her rejection of a big Australia entails. While she has made it clear she does not want our population to reach 36 million by 2050, is she still opening the back door to temporary migrants? These workers are not like Gillard's parents - they cannot vote, their children cannot aspire to be prime minister and ultimately they return back home.
Is it desirable to surreptitiously replace Australia's tradition of permanent migration with temporary migrant workers who are often low-skilled, have no long-term commitment to Australia and are vulnerable to exploitation?
Source:http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/new-australians-come-earn-and-go-20100629-ziun.html
New Oz migration rules to hit 15,000 students
The controversial amendments to the Australian migration system, likely to affect nearly 15,000 Indian students in the Kangaroo land, are all set to come into force from July 1.
Australia has slashed the existing Skilled Occupations List (SOL) from 400 skills to just 181 for vocational courses and jobs, which are the prerequisites for getting permanent resident status and student visas Down Under.
There have already been protests regarding the changes to the immigration policies but the Australian authorities have so far refused to reconsider the move.
Out of the changes to the immigration policies which concern Indian students is the elimination of a few occupations like catering, hairdressing and community welfare from the SOL, which happen to be popular occupations among Indian students.
Since these occupations have been erased from the SOL, the Indian students are losing their hopes of starting their life afresh in Australia by changing the profession. On top of it, any further studies are also not going to help them either.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, who was recently in Australia, had requested Oz’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship to make some transitional arrangements for students from India so that they were not grievously hurt by the new rules.
Indian officials say they have pleaded with the Australian authorities that since these students had been issued visas despite prior knowledge that they did not have vocational or language skills, they should be allowed to continue staying in the Kangaroo land.
The Australian government, however, says that the changes in the SOL are a part of the country’s plan to enhance its visa process and at the same time to make sure that it attracts the needed skilled workers from the international market in order to fulfil Australia’s skill shortages.
But the catering and restaurant industry in Australia, already reeling under the shortage of chefs and cooks, is not happy with the new amendments. Some restaurants will go out of business and others be forced to shorten their trading hours without labour, restaurant and catering Australia chief executive John Hart has ben quoted as saying in the media.
Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100630/main6.htm
Australia has slashed the existing Skilled Occupations List (SOL) from 400 skills to just 181 for vocational courses and jobs, which are the prerequisites for getting permanent resident status and student visas Down Under.
There have already been protests regarding the changes to the immigration policies but the Australian authorities have so far refused to reconsider the move.
Out of the changes to the immigration policies which concern Indian students is the elimination of a few occupations like catering, hairdressing and community welfare from the SOL, which happen to be popular occupations among Indian students.
Since these occupations have been erased from the SOL, the Indian students are losing their hopes of starting their life afresh in Australia by changing the profession. On top of it, any further studies are also not going to help them either.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, who was recently in Australia, had requested Oz’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship to make some transitional arrangements for students from India so that they were not grievously hurt by the new rules.
Indian officials say they have pleaded with the Australian authorities that since these students had been issued visas despite prior knowledge that they did not have vocational or language skills, they should be allowed to continue staying in the Kangaroo land.
The Australian government, however, says that the changes in the SOL are a part of the country’s plan to enhance its visa process and at the same time to make sure that it attracts the needed skilled workers from the international market in order to fulfil Australia’s skill shortages.
But the catering and restaurant industry in Australia, already reeling under the shortage of chefs and cooks, is not happy with the new amendments. Some restaurants will go out of business and others be forced to shorten their trading hours without labour, restaurant and catering Australia chief executive John Hart has ben quoted as saying in the media.
Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100630/main6.htm
Monday, June 28, 2010
Student visa changes 'put sector at risk'
A UNIVERSITY vice-chancellor has attacked recent changes to international student visas, saying they send the message ''our doors are effectively closed'' to prospective students, putting the sector at risk.
Swinburne University vice-chancellor Ian Young strongly criticised the changes, saying they had created uncertainty.
''Over the next few months we will see a significant impact across the full tertiary education sector. In particular, private colleges heavily exposed to international students will be severely impacted,'' Professor Young told The Age.
''I expect to see college closures in the coming months [and] such closures will result in reputation damage for all Australian educational institutions,'' he said.
Professor Young said Australia had a perception problem that was deterring students.
''Recent changes to the manner in which student visas are issued and the difficulty of the visa application process have introduced considerable uncertainty in the market,'' he said.
''Prospective students are no longer sure if Australia will welcome them.''
He said the rising Australian dollar and increased competition from other countries had added to the problems.
Professor Young agreed that changes needed to be made to stop student visas being used as a back door to permanent residency, but said the changes were also ''impacting on genuine students''.
The comments came after the federal government last week introduced legislation designed to strengthen regulation and better monitor the performance of private colleges.
The amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act came out of the Baird review into international students that reported back in March.
The review's recommendations included increased support for students, stronger consumer protection mechanisms and improved regulation of the sector.
Among the legislative amendments are moves to strengthen registration criteria, risk-based monitoring that shifts the regulatory burden to providers presenting the greatest risk to the the sector, and an increased range of breaches that incur financial penalties. The changes complement changes to student visas introduced earlier this year.
Last Tuesday a private college on the Gold Coast went into administration. Its demise follows the collapse of a Victorian college earlier this month.
The Australian Council for Private Education and Training said the closures were a result of the recent policy and visa changes.
A report by the council predicts Australia stands to lose about $3.8 billion in income from international education over the next two years, and says Victoria has already lost $113 million.
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Evans said there were more than 430,000 student visa holders in Australia at the end of May, 3 per cent more than the same time last year. She said student visa approval rates were at 85.5 per cent this year and the result for the 2009-10 financial year would be ''one of the three biggest years for student visa grants in our history''.
Source:http://www.theage.com.au/national/student-visa-changes-put-sector-at-risk-20100628-zf5x.html
Swinburne University vice-chancellor Ian Young strongly criticised the changes, saying they had created uncertainty.
''Over the next few months we will see a significant impact across the full tertiary education sector. In particular, private colleges heavily exposed to international students will be severely impacted,'' Professor Young told The Age.
''I expect to see college closures in the coming months [and] such closures will result in reputation damage for all Australian educational institutions,'' he said.
Professor Young said Australia had a perception problem that was deterring students.
''Recent changes to the manner in which student visas are issued and the difficulty of the visa application process have introduced considerable uncertainty in the market,'' he said.
''Prospective students are no longer sure if Australia will welcome them.''
He said the rising Australian dollar and increased competition from other countries had added to the problems.
Professor Young agreed that changes needed to be made to stop student visas being used as a back door to permanent residency, but said the changes were also ''impacting on genuine students''.
The comments came after the federal government last week introduced legislation designed to strengthen regulation and better monitor the performance of private colleges.
The amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act came out of the Baird review into international students that reported back in March.
The review's recommendations included increased support for students, stronger consumer protection mechanisms and improved regulation of the sector.
Among the legislative amendments are moves to strengthen registration criteria, risk-based monitoring that shifts the regulatory burden to providers presenting the greatest risk to the the sector, and an increased range of breaches that incur financial penalties. The changes complement changes to student visas introduced earlier this year.
Last Tuesday a private college on the Gold Coast went into administration. Its demise follows the collapse of a Victorian college earlier this month.
The Australian Council for Private Education and Training said the closures were a result of the recent policy and visa changes.
A report by the council predicts Australia stands to lose about $3.8 billion in income from international education over the next two years, and says Victoria has already lost $113 million.
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Evans said there were more than 430,000 student visa holders in Australia at the end of May, 3 per cent more than the same time last year. She said student visa approval rates were at 85.5 per cent this year and the result for the 2009-10 financial year would be ''one of the three biggest years for student visa grants in our history''.
Source:http://www.theage.com.au/national/student-visa-changes-put-sector-at-risk-20100628-zf5x.html
NZ won't cap migrant work force
New Zealand will not follow Britain in limiting the number of migrant workers coming into the country, says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.
The British Government is expected to impose a temporary limit today on the number of migrant workers from outside the European Union, before a planned permanent cap.
Dr Coleman said skilled migrants brought skills New Zealand needed to grow the economy and the country could not afford to block people with skills "we are permanently short of".
"We've always matched our temporary permits to the demands of certain occupation, and the system has always worked well for New Zealand and is constantly being reviewed," he said.
Dr Coleman said he had not been briefed on the details of the British changes and could not comment on how the migration cap could affect New Zealanders wanting to move to or work in the UK.
The British move comes days before asylum-seekers are due to bring an unprecedented legal case against the Government, claiming it forced Britain's largest network of refugee lawyers into administration by starving it of cash.
British Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down about 5 per cent - between now and next April.
Pressure groups campaigning for greater controls on immigration have welcomed the motion as a good start.
But some ministers are believed to oppose the move, while think-tanks and trade groups claim it would bar talented foreign workers from the UK labour market.
Meanwhile, the Government's immigration policy will be tested by a High Court case on Wednesday.
Source:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10654919
The British Government is expected to impose a temporary limit today on the number of migrant workers from outside the European Union, before a planned permanent cap.
Dr Coleman said skilled migrants brought skills New Zealand needed to grow the economy and the country could not afford to block people with skills "we are permanently short of".
"We've always matched our temporary permits to the demands of certain occupation, and the system has always worked well for New Zealand and is constantly being reviewed," he said.
Dr Coleman said he had not been briefed on the details of the British changes and could not comment on how the migration cap could affect New Zealanders wanting to move to or work in the UK.
The British move comes days before asylum-seekers are due to bring an unprecedented legal case against the Government, claiming it forced Britain's largest network of refugee lawyers into administration by starving it of cash.
British Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down about 5 per cent - between now and next April.
Pressure groups campaigning for greater controls on immigration have welcomed the motion as a good start.
But some ministers are believed to oppose the move, while think-tanks and trade groups claim it would bar talented foreign workers from the UK labour market.
Meanwhile, the Government's immigration policy will be tested by a High Court case on Wednesday.
Source:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10654919
Australian Immigration Changes- How these changes affect you
If you have any concerns about your genuine application, please continue to lobby to your local parliamentarian....
Susantha Katugampola, Melbourne
Source:http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/sinhalese/highlight/page/id/93527/t/-Australian-Immigration-Changes-How-these-changes-affect-you-Susantha-Katugampola/in/english
Susantha Katugampola, Melbourne
Source:http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/sinhalese/highlight/page/id/93527/t/-Australian-Immigration-Changes-How-these-changes-affect-you-Susantha-Katugampola/in/english
Australian Immigration Changes-How these changes affect you
Petitioning the House of Representatives is a legal right and it will be submitted to the parliament and hopefully the minister will come up with something favorable.....
-Dinesh Iriyagoola Weerakkody, Melbourne
Solicitor & Barrister (An Australian Legal Practitioner),An Australian Migration Agent (0742843)
Mob + 61 425725570 (Aus)
Fax + 61 3 9808 2243
Source:http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/sinhalese/highlight/page/id/93532/t/-Australian-Immigration-Changes-How-these-changes-affect-you-Dinesh-Weerakkody/in/english
Queensland councils reject "big Australia"
Queensland councils have joined with Prime Minister Julia Gillard in reconsidering Australia’s population growth.
Ms Gillard has revealed that she does not believe in a “big Australia”, signalling a shift in policy on population growth.
“Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population,” Ms Gillard said.
“I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia.
“We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia.”
Ms Gillard said the shift in policy was not intended to ignite an immigration debate.
“This is not about bringing down the shutters in immigration,” she said.
“It is a debate about planning affected by many factors - water supply, open space, infrastructure, ensuring the appropriate tax base to support our ageing population, the need for skills and the need to preserve a good quality life.”
The Intergenerational Report released earlier this year predicted that Australia’s population could reach 35.9 million by 2050. In response to the report, Tony Burke was appointed as Australia’s first Population Minister, responsible for developing a national strategy on population growth.
Ms Gillard announced over the weekend that Mr Burke would now be known as the Minister for Sustainable Population.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the Federal Government’s policy shift.
LGAQ president Paul Bell said local government concerns on sustainable population levels were a “major driving force” behind the establishment of an independent inquiry into the need for a Queensland Government population policy.
Source:http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2010/06/28/article/Queensland-councils-reject-big-Australia/RIPSGPAAVL.html
Ms Gillard has revealed that she does not believe in a “big Australia”, signalling a shift in policy on population growth.
“Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population,” Ms Gillard said.
“I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia.
“We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia.”
Ms Gillard said the shift in policy was not intended to ignite an immigration debate.
“This is not about bringing down the shutters in immigration,” she said.
“It is a debate about planning affected by many factors - water supply, open space, infrastructure, ensuring the appropriate tax base to support our ageing population, the need for skills and the need to preserve a good quality life.”
The Intergenerational Report released earlier this year predicted that Australia’s population could reach 35.9 million by 2050. In response to the report, Tony Burke was appointed as Australia’s first Population Minister, responsible for developing a national strategy on population growth.
Ms Gillard announced over the weekend that Mr Burke would now be known as the Minister for Sustainable Population.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the Federal Government’s policy shift.
LGAQ president Paul Bell said local government concerns on sustainable population levels were a “major driving force” behind the establishment of an independent inquiry into the need for a Queensland Government population policy.
Source:http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2010/06/28/article/Queensland-councils-reject-big-Australia/RIPSGPAAVL.html
Skilled migration program altered
Australia's skilled migration program is being sharpened to ensure the 'best and brightest' people enter the country, the head of the department of immigration and citizenship says.
Department secretary Andrew Metcalfe on Monday said changes coming into effect from July 1 mean that while the size of the nation's migration program will be maintained, there will be greater focus on employer needs.
'We are moving from Australia needs skills' to the skills Australia needs' approach,' Mr Metcalfe told the Population Australia 2050 summit in Sydney.
'This is not subtle.
'We have been looking at the integrity and intentions of people coming to live here and that has led to significant changes in the system.'
Mr Metcalfe said Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who has shifted away from her predecessor's embrace of a 'big Australia' toward 'balanced' sustainable population growth, had underlined the importance of skilled migration.
Ms Gillard said on the weekend she does not want to see businesses held back because they can't access the skilled workers they need.
But she also doesn't want to see areas of Australia suffering high youth unemployment because there are no jobs for local workers.
Treasury earlier this year forecast Australia's population to reach 35.9 million by 2050, from a current 22 million, saying immigration would be a big contributor.
Meanwhile, opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison told the summit population growth was 'getting out of hand'.
'Population growth cannot be a lazy substitute for participation and productivity in our economy,' he said.
'It needs to be brought under control and there needs to be policies to keep the population under control.
'The prime minister must now answer her own question.
'How many Australians will there be under Labor's policies, what will be the immigration intake under her policies and where will she make the cuts?'
However, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said there was room for growth in the nation's most populous state, particularly in regional centres.
But Sydney's population was set to continue to grow no matter what.
'Even if we stopped all movement into Sydney, there will still be population increases of some 70 per cent,' Ms Keneally told reporters in Sydney.
'For Sydney, we do join with the prime minister with that desire to have sustainable cities.'
In its 2010/11 budget, the government said the size of the migration program would be maintained in the new financial year at 168,700 places.
But the mix would change with increases to skilled migration and reductions to family migration.
Earlier on Monday, sociologist Katharine Betts told the population summit the level of migration had little impact on the average age of the population.
'Even large migrant intakes don't make much of a difference to the average age of the population at all,' said Dr Betts, who is associate professor of sociology at Melbourne's Swinburne University of Technology.
However, she also noted a recent Australian survey of social attitudes had found 72 per cent of Australians thought the country did not need more migrants.
Source:http://www.skynews.com.au/national/article.aspx?id=478345&articleID=
Department secretary Andrew Metcalfe on Monday said changes coming into effect from July 1 mean that while the size of the nation's migration program will be maintained, there will be greater focus on employer needs.
'We are moving from Australia needs skills' to the skills Australia needs' approach,' Mr Metcalfe told the Population Australia 2050 summit in Sydney.
'This is not subtle.
'We have been looking at the integrity and intentions of people coming to live here and that has led to significant changes in the system.'
Mr Metcalfe said Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who has shifted away from her predecessor's embrace of a 'big Australia' toward 'balanced' sustainable population growth, had underlined the importance of skilled migration.
Ms Gillard said on the weekend she does not want to see businesses held back because they can't access the skilled workers they need.
But she also doesn't want to see areas of Australia suffering high youth unemployment because there are no jobs for local workers.
Treasury earlier this year forecast Australia's population to reach 35.9 million by 2050, from a current 22 million, saying immigration would be a big contributor.
Meanwhile, opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison told the summit population growth was 'getting out of hand'.
'Population growth cannot be a lazy substitute for participation and productivity in our economy,' he said.
'It needs to be brought under control and there needs to be policies to keep the population under control.
'The prime minister must now answer her own question.
'How many Australians will there be under Labor's policies, what will be the immigration intake under her policies and where will she make the cuts?'
However, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said there was room for growth in the nation's most populous state, particularly in regional centres.
But Sydney's population was set to continue to grow no matter what.
'Even if we stopped all movement into Sydney, there will still be population increases of some 70 per cent,' Ms Keneally told reporters in Sydney.
'For Sydney, we do join with the prime minister with that desire to have sustainable cities.'
In its 2010/11 budget, the government said the size of the migration program would be maintained in the new financial year at 168,700 places.
But the mix would change with increases to skilled migration and reductions to family migration.
Earlier on Monday, sociologist Katharine Betts told the population summit the level of migration had little impact on the average age of the population.
'Even large migrant intakes don't make much of a difference to the average age of the population at all,' said Dr Betts, who is associate professor of sociology at Melbourne's Swinburne University of Technology.
However, she also noted a recent Australian survey of social attitudes had found 72 per cent of Australians thought the country did not need more migrants.
Source:http://www.skynews.com.au/national/article.aspx?id=478345&articleID=
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Australia to review freeze on asylum claims from Sri Lanka
The Australian prime minister Julia Gillard says the government will decide soon whether to resume processing refugee claims made by people from Sri Lanka.
The government imposed a three month suspension on the processing of claims in April - allegedly to reassess the situation in Sri Lanka.
A six month suspension was also imposed on claims from Afghan asylum seekers.
But Ms Gillard says Australia needs to honour its international obligations.
Source:http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201006/2938239.htm?desktop
The government imposed a three month suspension on the processing of claims in April - allegedly to reassess the situation in Sri Lanka.
A six month suspension was also imposed on claims from Afghan asylum seekers.
But Ms Gillard says Australia needs to honour its international obligations.
Source:http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201006/2938239.htm?desktop
New Australia PM rejects population growth plan
New Prime Minister Julia Gillard signalled a change in the government's approach to population growth on Sunday, saying she did not believe in a "big Australia".
Gillard, a former lawyer who wrested leadership of the Labor Party and the government from Kevin Rudd on Thursday, said population policy needed to strike the right balance between growth and sustainability.
"I don't believe in a big Australia," Welsh-born Gillard said.
"Kevin Rudd indicated that he had a view about a big Australia, I'm indicating a different approach. I think we want an Australia that is sustainable," she told the Nine Network.
With 22 million residents, Rudd had expressed optimism about a "big Australia" with a population of more than 36 million people by 2050, achieved through rising birth rates and immigration.
But Gillard said such population growth could be problematic given Australia's water shortages, the difficulty in providing services across the vast landscape and transport infrastructure.
"I don't believe in simply hurtling down a track to a 36 million or 40 million population, and I think if you talk to the people of western Sydney or western Melbourne, or the Gold Coast growth corridor in Queensland, people would look at you and say, 'Where will all these people go?'," she said.
"I think we want an Australia that is sustainable. This place is our sanctuary, our home."
Gillard, who came to Australia with her parents as a four-year-old, said immigration for skilled labour was still needed, adding that Canberra would continue to accept refugees.
"I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers," she said.
"That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 percent youth unemployment because there are no jobs."
Immigration is a sensitive issue in Australia, where boatloads of asylum seekers arrive most weeks after perilous voyages from Asia, often in rickety fishing vessels, as they escape countries such as Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Under Rudd, Australia suspended claims for asylum from Sri Lankans for three months and Afghans for six as a way of tackling the problem.
But concerns about the steady stream of boatpeople, along with the shelving of a carbon emissions trading scheme designed to tackle climate change and a new tax on mining profits are believed to have been behind the poor polling which led Gillard to contest Rudd's leadership of the party.
The conservative opposition accused Gillard of not having the policies needed for a sustainable population, but those who believe Australia lacks the resources to support a larger population said the new approach was necessary.
"It shows the Prime Minister is on the wavelength of ordinary Australians," Labor politician Kelvin Thomson said.
"Australians have expressed their concern about the impact of rising population on food and water supplies, on rising housing affordability, on traffic congestion, on the quality of life in our cities, on carbon emissions and on our endangered wildlife."
The Australian Conservation Foundation said the nation's rate of population growth was already among the highest in the industrialised world.
"Bigger isn't always better," said the ACF's Chuck Berger.
"More people means more roads, more urban sprawl, more dams, more power lines, more energy and water use, more pollution in our air and natural environment, and more pressure on our animals, plants, rivers, reefs and bush."
Source:http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4180640
Gillard, a former lawyer who wrested leadership of the Labor Party and the government from Kevin Rudd on Thursday, said population policy needed to strike the right balance between growth and sustainability.
"I don't believe in a big Australia," Welsh-born Gillard said.
"Kevin Rudd indicated that he had a view about a big Australia, I'm indicating a different approach. I think we want an Australia that is sustainable," she told the Nine Network.
With 22 million residents, Rudd had expressed optimism about a "big Australia" with a population of more than 36 million people by 2050, achieved through rising birth rates and immigration.
But Gillard said such population growth could be problematic given Australia's water shortages, the difficulty in providing services across the vast landscape and transport infrastructure.
"I don't believe in simply hurtling down a track to a 36 million or 40 million population, and I think if you talk to the people of western Sydney or western Melbourne, or the Gold Coast growth corridor in Queensland, people would look at you and say, 'Where will all these people go?'," she said.
"I think we want an Australia that is sustainable. This place is our sanctuary, our home."
Gillard, who came to Australia with her parents as a four-year-old, said immigration for skilled labour was still needed, adding that Canberra would continue to accept refugees.
"I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers," she said.
"That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 percent youth unemployment because there are no jobs."
Immigration is a sensitive issue in Australia, where boatloads of asylum seekers arrive most weeks after perilous voyages from Asia, often in rickety fishing vessels, as they escape countries such as Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Under Rudd, Australia suspended claims for asylum from Sri Lankans for three months and Afghans for six as a way of tackling the problem.
But concerns about the steady stream of boatpeople, along with the shelving of a carbon emissions trading scheme designed to tackle climate change and a new tax on mining profits are believed to have been behind the poor polling which led Gillard to contest Rudd's leadership of the party.
The conservative opposition accused Gillard of not having the policies needed for a sustainable population, but those who believe Australia lacks the resources to support a larger population said the new approach was necessary.
"It shows the Prime Minister is on the wavelength of ordinary Australians," Labor politician Kelvin Thomson said.
"Australians have expressed their concern about the impact of rising population on food and water supplies, on rising housing affordability, on traffic congestion, on the quality of life in our cities, on carbon emissions and on our endangered wildlife."
The Australian Conservation Foundation said the nation's rate of population growth was already among the highest in the industrialised world.
"Bigger isn't always better," said the ACF's Chuck Berger.
"More people means more roads, more urban sprawl, more dams, more power lines, more energy and water use, more pollution in our air and natural environment, and more pressure on our animals, plants, rivers, reefs and bush."
Source:http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4180640
Australia PM Gillard favour skilled immigration
Australia's new Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday vetoed her predecessor Kevin Rudd's idea of a 'big Australia,' indicating a slowdown in immigration to the nation where Indians constitute one of the largest chunk of immigrants.
She said Australia with a population of 22 million should not "hurtle down" towards a big population but opt for skilled migration.
Gillard, the country's first woman prime minister who ousted Rudd, took a different stand on one of his chief policy issues and said she supports a population that the nation's environment, infrastructure and services can sustain. The nation should not "hurtle down the track towards a big population," she said according to an ABC report.
"I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia," she said.
According to Treasury's Intergenerational Report earlier this year Australian population was projected to rise from about 22 million to 35.9 million in 2050 if the current trends in overseas migration and fertility continued, with immigration by far the biggest contributor.
Gillard said: "If you spoke to the people of Western Sydney, for example, about a big Australia... they would laugh at you and ask you a very simple question: where will these 40 million people go?"
However, Gillard said it does not mean putting a stop on immigration all together. "I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers... That's why skilled migration is so important. "But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs," she said.
Melbourne was predicted to hit a figure of 7 million people, and Sydney would grow to more than 7.5 million by 2050. The report prompted the country to rethink its migration policy over whether big cities, now straining under inadequate infrastructure, could cope with the growth.
Former Prime Minister Rudd, who was an advocate of a "big Australia" had appointed Tony Burke as Population Minister to develop a strategy.
Gillard, who immigrated as a child from Wales in 1966 when Australia's population was 11.5 million, said Burke's job description would now change to "send a very clear message about this new direction". He would now be known as the Minister for Sustainable Population.
Though Gillard stressed that her belief that population growth should be limited was "not about bringing down the shutters in immigration," any move to lower current rates would involve taking in significantly fewer immigrants.
Last year, overseas migration added almost 300,000 people majorly from the developing countries like Philippines, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/travel/visa-power/Australia-PM-Gillard-favour-skilled-immigration/articleshow/6098199.cms
She said Australia with a population of 22 million should not "hurtle down" towards a big population but opt for skilled migration.
Gillard, the country's first woman prime minister who ousted Rudd, took a different stand on one of his chief policy issues and said she supports a population that the nation's environment, infrastructure and services can sustain. The nation should not "hurtle down the track towards a big population," she said according to an ABC report.
"I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia," she said.
According to Treasury's Intergenerational Report earlier this year Australian population was projected to rise from about 22 million to 35.9 million in 2050 if the current trends in overseas migration and fertility continued, with immigration by far the biggest contributor.
Gillard said: "If you spoke to the people of Western Sydney, for example, about a big Australia... they would laugh at you and ask you a very simple question: where will these 40 million people go?"
However, Gillard said it does not mean putting a stop on immigration all together. "I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers... That's why skilled migration is so important. "But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs," she said.
Melbourne was predicted to hit a figure of 7 million people, and Sydney would grow to more than 7.5 million by 2050. The report prompted the country to rethink its migration policy over whether big cities, now straining under inadequate infrastructure, could cope with the growth.
Former Prime Minister Rudd, who was an advocate of a "big Australia" had appointed Tony Burke as Population Minister to develop a strategy.
Gillard, who immigrated as a child from Wales in 1966 when Australia's population was 11.5 million, said Burke's job description would now change to "send a very clear message about this new direction". He would now be known as the Minister for Sustainable Population.
Though Gillard stressed that her belief that population growth should be limited was "not about bringing down the shutters in immigration," any move to lower current rates would involve taking in significantly fewer immigrants.
Last year, overseas migration added almost 300,000 people majorly from the developing countries like Philippines, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/travel/visa-power/Australia-PM-Gillard-favour-skilled-immigration/articleshow/6098199.cms
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Gillard shuts door on 'big Australia'
Prime Minister Julia Gillard is breaking free from one of her predecessor's main policy stances by announcing she is not interested in a "big Australia".
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd was in favour of population growth, with his government predicting it to hit around 36 million by 2050, largely through immigration.
But Ms Gillard has indicated she will be putting the brakes on immigration in order to develop a more sustainable nation.
"Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population," she told Fairfax.
"I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia.
"I support a population that our environment, our water, our soil, our roads and freeways, our busses, our trains and our services can sustain."
But Ms Gillard says that does not mean putting a stop to immigration all together.
"I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers," she said.
"That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs," she said.
Mr Rudd installed Tony Burke as the Minister for Population, but in one of her first moves as Prime Minister, Ms Gillard has changed his job description to Minister for Sustainable Population.
Mr Burke will continue to develop a national population strategy which is due to be released next year.
Ms Gillard says the change sends a clear message about the new direction the Government is taking.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin told Channel Ten that Australia's population growth has to reflect the country's economic needs.
"When we have areas in Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment we should be getting in there doing everything possible to get those young people skilled up and into the jobs that are available," she said.
"Making sure that where we have serious congestion in our cities that we do something about it."
But Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has told ABC1's Insiders that Ms Gillard cannot be believed.
"When the Coalition said a few months ago that the population had to be sustainable we were pilloried up hill and down dale by Julia Gillard," he said.
"I think what we're also going to see from Julia Gillard is an attempt on all the controversial issues where the Opposition is making the running, to adopt a kind of 'me too' strategy."
Australian businessman Dick Smith has been a vocal advocate for a more sustainable approach to population growth and has applauded Ms Gillard's announcement.
But he acknowledges it will not be welcomed by everyone.
"The business community, my wealthy mates are completely addicted to growth because of greed," he said.
"So they're going to fight her every inch of the way. They just want growth, growth, growth, even though it's obvious that it's not sustainable.
"I think she's a brave lady, I reckon she will stand up to them."
But an urban planning group is trying to convince Ms Gillard of the benefits of a big population.
Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive Aaron Gadiel says a large population increases the tax base to fund improvements to infrastructure and welfare services.
"We shouldn't be trying to fight it, what we should be trying to do is ensuring that we've got the investment and infrastructure that makes that process easier to manage," he said.
"I think people should be focussing on how much state, federal and local governments have been investing in urban infrastructure to help absorb population growth."
A survey earlier in the year by the Lowy Institute found that almost three-quarters of Australians want to see the country's population grow, but not by too much.
The Lowy Institute surveyed more than 1,000 people and found that while there was support for increased immigration, Australians were not quite prepared to embrace the Government's predicted 36 million.
The poll showed 72 per cent of people supported a rise in Australia's population, but 69 per cent wanted it to remain below 30 million people.
New poll results
Meanwhile, a new Galaxy poll published today shows voters believe Ms Gillard will give Labor a better chance of winning the Federal Election than Mr Rudd, although they do not support the way she came to power.
Voters who were polled still believe Mr Rudd should be given a job on the frontbench.
The poll puts Labor in an election-winning position, jumping ahead of the Coalition by two percentage points on a two-party preferred basis, leading 52 per cent to 48 per cent.
A Herald/Nielson poll released yesterday showed Labor's primary vote climbing to 47 per cent, while support for the Coalition fell 1 point to 42 per cent.
However Mr Abbott earlier dismissed the figures and said he was not worried.
"Right now the new Prime Minister is enjoying a predictable bounce in the polls that was to be expected the Government has tried to fix the headlines," he said.
"But they can't fix the problems and the headlines won't stay fixed unless they fix the problem."
The latest poll has indicated that most of all voters just want the Government to get on with the job of running the country and are urging Ms Gillard to fix the mining tax debacle, stop wasting money and sort out the health system.
Voters insist Ms Gillard must move quickly to settle the mining tax issue, with 30 per cent of poll respondents saying it should be her first priority and 24 per cent saying she should fast-track health and hospital reforms.
Her third priority should be to get the Budget back into the black, they say.
Only 11 per cent of the 800 voters polled believe Ms Gillard should revive the emissions trading scheme to tackle climate change and 13 per cent feel she should get tougher on asylum seekers.
Labor's primary support has locked in at four points higher than after the Budget, on 41 per cent, but the Coalition has dropped only one point to 42 per cent and that loss has been at the expense of the minor partner, the National Party.
Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/27/2938009.htm?section=justin
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd was in favour of population growth, with his government predicting it to hit around 36 million by 2050, largely through immigration.
But Ms Gillard has indicated she will be putting the brakes on immigration in order to develop a more sustainable nation.
"Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population," she told Fairfax.
"I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia.
"I support a population that our environment, our water, our soil, our roads and freeways, our busses, our trains and our services can sustain."
But Ms Gillard says that does not mean putting a stop to immigration all together.
"I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers," she said.
"That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs," she said.
Mr Rudd installed Tony Burke as the Minister for Population, but in one of her first moves as Prime Minister, Ms Gillard has changed his job description to Minister for Sustainable Population.
Mr Burke will continue to develop a national population strategy which is due to be released next year.
Ms Gillard says the change sends a clear message about the new direction the Government is taking.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin told Channel Ten that Australia's population growth has to reflect the country's economic needs.
"When we have areas in Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment we should be getting in there doing everything possible to get those young people skilled up and into the jobs that are available," she said.
"Making sure that where we have serious congestion in our cities that we do something about it."
But Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has told ABC1's Insiders that Ms Gillard cannot be believed.
"When the Coalition said a few months ago that the population had to be sustainable we were pilloried up hill and down dale by Julia Gillard," he said.
"I think what we're also going to see from Julia Gillard is an attempt on all the controversial issues where the Opposition is making the running, to adopt a kind of 'me too' strategy."
Australian businessman Dick Smith has been a vocal advocate for a more sustainable approach to population growth and has applauded Ms Gillard's announcement.
But he acknowledges it will not be welcomed by everyone.
"The business community, my wealthy mates are completely addicted to growth because of greed," he said.
"So they're going to fight her every inch of the way. They just want growth, growth, growth, even though it's obvious that it's not sustainable.
"I think she's a brave lady, I reckon she will stand up to them."
But an urban planning group is trying to convince Ms Gillard of the benefits of a big population.
Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive Aaron Gadiel says a large population increases the tax base to fund improvements to infrastructure and welfare services.
"We shouldn't be trying to fight it, what we should be trying to do is ensuring that we've got the investment and infrastructure that makes that process easier to manage," he said.
"I think people should be focussing on how much state, federal and local governments have been investing in urban infrastructure to help absorb population growth."
A survey earlier in the year by the Lowy Institute found that almost three-quarters of Australians want to see the country's population grow, but not by too much.
The Lowy Institute surveyed more than 1,000 people and found that while there was support for increased immigration, Australians were not quite prepared to embrace the Government's predicted 36 million.
The poll showed 72 per cent of people supported a rise in Australia's population, but 69 per cent wanted it to remain below 30 million people.
New poll results
Meanwhile, a new Galaxy poll published today shows voters believe Ms Gillard will give Labor a better chance of winning the Federal Election than Mr Rudd, although they do not support the way she came to power.
Voters who were polled still believe Mr Rudd should be given a job on the frontbench.
The poll puts Labor in an election-winning position, jumping ahead of the Coalition by two percentage points on a two-party preferred basis, leading 52 per cent to 48 per cent.
A Herald/Nielson poll released yesterday showed Labor's primary vote climbing to 47 per cent, while support for the Coalition fell 1 point to 42 per cent.
However Mr Abbott earlier dismissed the figures and said he was not worried.
"Right now the new Prime Minister is enjoying a predictable bounce in the polls that was to be expected the Government has tried to fix the headlines," he said.
"But they can't fix the problems and the headlines won't stay fixed unless they fix the problem."
The latest poll has indicated that most of all voters just want the Government to get on with the job of running the country and are urging Ms Gillard to fix the mining tax debacle, stop wasting money and sort out the health system.
Voters insist Ms Gillard must move quickly to settle the mining tax issue, with 30 per cent of poll respondents saying it should be her first priority and 24 per cent saying she should fast-track health and hospital reforms.
Her third priority should be to get the Budget back into the black, they say.
Only 11 per cent of the 800 voters polled believe Ms Gillard should revive the emissions trading scheme to tackle climate change and 13 per cent feel she should get tougher on asylum seekers.
Labor's primary support has locked in at four points higher than after the Budget, on 41 per cent, but the Coalition has dropped only one point to 42 per cent and that loss has been at the expense of the minor partner, the National Party.
Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/27/2938009.htm?section=justin
Immigration slows in Australia under new PM
Australia's new prime minister, Julia Gillard, has changed course on Australia's immigration policy.
In an about-turn from the man she took over from, Kevin Rudd, she has said she will alter her party's main policy stances with a lesser population growth.
On the weekend Ms Gillard told Fairfax News she would put the brakes on immigration in order to develop a more sustainable nation.
She said: "Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population. I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia. I support a population that our environment, our water, our soil, our roads and freeways, our buses, our trains and our services can sustain."
Ms Gillard said she would hold together an immigration policy that was pro-business and highly skilled, saying: "I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers. That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs."
The Australian government recently predicted the country's population would hit around 36 million by 2050, largely through immigration.
A recent poll showed 72 per cent of people supported a rise in Australia's population, but 69 per cent wanted it to remain below 30 million people.
Source:http://www.nepalnews.net/story/652314
In an about-turn from the man she took over from, Kevin Rudd, she has said she will alter her party's main policy stances with a lesser population growth.
On the weekend Ms Gillard told Fairfax News she would put the brakes on immigration in order to develop a more sustainable nation.
She said: "Australia should not hurtle down the track towards a big population. I don't support the idea of a big Australia with arbitrary targets of, say, a 40 million-strong Australia or a 36 million-strong Australia. We need to stop, take a breath and develop policies for a sustainable Australia. I support a population that our environment, our water, our soil, our roads and freeways, our buses, our trains and our services can sustain."
Ms Gillard said she would hold together an immigration policy that was pro-business and highly skilled, saying: "I don't want business to be held back because they couldn't find the right workers. That's why skilled migration is so important. But also I don't want areas of Australia with 25 per cent youth unemployment because there are no jobs."
The Australian government recently predicted the country's population would hit around 36 million by 2050, largely through immigration.
A recent poll showed 72 per cent of people supported a rise in Australia's population, but 69 per cent wanted it to remain below 30 million people.
Source:http://www.nepalnews.net/story/652314
New prime minister signals slowdown in Australian immigration to curb rapid population growth
CANBERRA, Australia — New Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday signalled Australia's immigration intake will slow under her leadership as concerns grow about the nation's rapid population growth.
Gillard said she disagreed with her predecessor Kevin Rudd, who was ousted by the ruling Labor Party last week, on the "major issue" of population policy.
Rudd recently gave a speech endorsing a "big Australia," citing government statistics that on present immigration trends, Australia's population would grow from 22 million today to 35 million by 2050.
"I don't believe in a big Australia," Gillard told Nine Network television. "I don't believe in simply hurtling down a track to a 36 million or 40 million population."
Gillard, who immigrated as a child from Wales in 1966 when Australia's population was 11.5 million, said the key factor to determine future immigration rates should be governments' capacity to provide the roads and services needed to sustain a larger population.
She said she planned to appoint a new Minister for Sustainable Population to examine growth capacity when she announces her new Cabinet, probably this week.
Australia's population grew 2 per cent mainly through immigration last year — faster than any other developed country.
While Australia is relatively sparsely populated, factors such as a lack of water limit its potential for population growth.
The world's driest continent after Antarctica has endured years of drought that the government blames on global climate change and several cities plan to build desalination plants to create drinking water from the sea.
But 16 years of continuous economic growth driven by Chinese demand for Australian minerals and energy have created skill shortages that are often filled by immigrants.
The Australian Conservation Foundation, the nation's leading environmental group, has warned that population growth projections threaten biodiversity.
Lawmaker Kelvin Thomson, of Gillard's Labor Party, has argued Australia needs to cap its population at 26 million if it is serious about reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5inb13VAgLwGHwK3OnFn06DV79HvQ
Gillard said she disagreed with her predecessor Kevin Rudd, who was ousted by the ruling Labor Party last week, on the "major issue" of population policy.
Rudd recently gave a speech endorsing a "big Australia," citing government statistics that on present immigration trends, Australia's population would grow from 22 million today to 35 million by 2050.
"I don't believe in a big Australia," Gillard told Nine Network television. "I don't believe in simply hurtling down a track to a 36 million or 40 million population."
Gillard, who immigrated as a child from Wales in 1966 when Australia's population was 11.5 million, said the key factor to determine future immigration rates should be governments' capacity to provide the roads and services needed to sustain a larger population.
She said she planned to appoint a new Minister for Sustainable Population to examine growth capacity when she announces her new Cabinet, probably this week.
Australia's population grew 2 per cent mainly through immigration last year — faster than any other developed country.
While Australia is relatively sparsely populated, factors such as a lack of water limit its potential for population growth.
The world's driest continent after Antarctica has endured years of drought that the government blames on global climate change and several cities plan to build desalination plants to create drinking water from the sea.
But 16 years of continuous economic growth driven by Chinese demand for Australian minerals and energy have created skill shortages that are often filled by immigrants.
The Australian Conservation Foundation, the nation's leading environmental group, has warned that population growth projections threaten biodiversity.
Lawmaker Kelvin Thomson, of Gillard's Labor Party, has argued Australia needs to cap its population at 26 million if it is serious about reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5inb13VAgLwGHwK3OnFn06DV79HvQ
Chefs in demand but immigration denies shortage
Immigration officials have promised to review the way they hand out work permits to chefs as hospitality officials warn the policy is damaging the industry.
Tomorrow, staff from the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development will meet representatives from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (Hanz) and hotel representatives to discuss the issue.
Restaurant owners have complained that there is a shortage of experienced chefs in New Zealand, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get work permits for skilled foreign staff.
Some have warned that their businesses could be put at risk, as staff are forced to leave the country despite their employers struggling to replace them.
Tracy Scott, regional manager for Hanz said the association had been highlighting the problem for more than a year, with immigration officials claiming there were enough New Zealand citizens available to fill roles as experienced chefs.
"They keep coming back to us and saying there are people in New Zealand who can do these jobs," Ms Scott said.
"Show them to us. Where are they? They're not applying for jobs."
The problem, she said, appeared to be worse in Wellington than elsewhere, at a time when the capital was trying to brand itself as a culinary destination.
In a meeting with Immigration New Zealand staff earlier this month Ms Scott was told there were 28 unemployed chefs with several years' experience in the Wellington region. She said she offered to find them all work within 24 hours, but was later supplied with only two CVs.
"Show me 20 experienced chefs and there will be a lot of people very interested in seeing their CVs – we could pretty much guarantee to find them all work."
The Ministry of Labour, which includes Immigration, relies in part on data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to determine whether there are enough New Zealanders to fill a job category.
On Friday the MSD said it could supply information on how many people had told Work and Income that being a chef was a "work option" but not their level of experience or even if they had worked in the industry.
Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said he had given "clear direction" that the two organisations needed to communicate clearly.
"It's not much good Immigration New Zealand saying that MSD is telling them they've got suitable people [to fill jobs] and it turns out those people aren't suitable."
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While the policy on work permits would always be that New Zealanders would be favoured, Mr Coleman said where there was a genuine shortage permits would be granted to foreigners.
Nigel Bickle, the head of immigration for the Department of Labour, said it understood the importance of the industry and would work with representatives to review the skills shortages lists.
Mike Egan, the president of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said a shortage of new trainees, along with a growing industry had led to a nationwide shortage of skilled chefs.
Mr Egan, who owns Monsoon Poon, said there were plenty of international chefs who were happy to come to New Zealand. "If we could get them work permits, it's not hard to attract people to New Zealand."
VISA RENEWAL REJECTION PUTS CAFE EXPANSION PLANS AT RISK
Karl Hewlett was surprised when Goran Jatic, an experienced and talented chef, applied for a job at his then new cafe, Recreation @ Karori Park.
Now the Serb's application for a new work permit has been rejected and he he fears the impact that could have on the business and its five other staff.
Mr Hewlett opened the cafe in October last year. He had been looking for a new career after being made redundant as an IT professional. He and and his partner, Alida Steemson, initially served just coffee and counter food, and began searching for a chef in December to extend their service.
Communication with friends and business contacts yielded nothing. Two rounds of website advertising threw up only a handful of applicants. Most were foreign or New Zealanders who were either not considered competent or, by the time they were offered jobs, had been snapped up elsewhere.
Then Mr Jatic came onto the scene. On his first visit to the cafe, the 44-year-old began constructively assessing how he could work around the kitchen's limited size and unusual configuration.
With around a quarter of a century experience, Mr Jatic has skills including cooking for vegetarians, people with allergies and preparing nutritional children's meals.
"I was surprised that we were, as a new business, able to find a chef of Goran's quality," Mr Hewlett said, describing him as "capable, willing and cheerful", since he began working for him in February.
Well aware of the cost of food he "never makes a meal appear small or cheap".
As well as being a talented chef, the Serb has begun mentoring the cafe's 17-year-old kitchen hand, who has left school, to the point where his protege may eventually take on additional responsibilities if the cafe extended hours in the future.
While Mr Hewlett said he would have preferred to hire a New Zealander, Mr Jatic was the best candidate, with another European the second choice.
On April 1, Mr Jatic lodged an application for a new work visa. Six weeks later, after unexpected costs and delays, Immigration New Zealand indicated there were sufficient chefs in New Zealand to fill the role, rejecting the application. Mr Hewlett dismisses that outright, and is appealing.
It is a stress the young business can ill-afford. At best, Mr Hewlett said, time which should have been spent developing the business – he wants to move into event catering – was being consumed by the issue.
At worst it could ultimately threaten the cafe's viability if a visa was not granted or a skilled replacement was not found.
Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3832847/Chefs-in-demand-but-immigration-denies-shortage/
Tomorrow, staff from the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development will meet representatives from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (Hanz) and hotel representatives to discuss the issue.
Restaurant owners have complained that there is a shortage of experienced chefs in New Zealand, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get work permits for skilled foreign staff.
Some have warned that their businesses could be put at risk, as staff are forced to leave the country despite their employers struggling to replace them.
Tracy Scott, regional manager for Hanz said the association had been highlighting the problem for more than a year, with immigration officials claiming there were enough New Zealand citizens available to fill roles as experienced chefs.
"They keep coming back to us and saying there are people in New Zealand who can do these jobs," Ms Scott said.
"Show them to us. Where are they? They're not applying for jobs."
The problem, she said, appeared to be worse in Wellington than elsewhere, at a time when the capital was trying to brand itself as a culinary destination.
In a meeting with Immigration New Zealand staff earlier this month Ms Scott was told there were 28 unemployed chefs with several years' experience in the Wellington region. She said she offered to find them all work within 24 hours, but was later supplied with only two CVs.
"Show me 20 experienced chefs and there will be a lot of people very interested in seeing their CVs – we could pretty much guarantee to find them all work."
The Ministry of Labour, which includes Immigration, relies in part on data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to determine whether there are enough New Zealanders to fill a job category.
On Friday the MSD said it could supply information on how many people had told Work and Income that being a chef was a "work option" but not their level of experience or even if they had worked in the industry.
Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said he had given "clear direction" that the two organisations needed to communicate clearly.
"It's not much good Immigration New Zealand saying that MSD is telling them they've got suitable people [to fill jobs] and it turns out those people aren't suitable."
Ad Feedback
While the policy on work permits would always be that New Zealanders would be favoured, Mr Coleman said where there was a genuine shortage permits would be granted to foreigners.
Nigel Bickle, the head of immigration for the Department of Labour, said it understood the importance of the industry and would work with representatives to review the skills shortages lists.
Mike Egan, the president of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said a shortage of new trainees, along with a growing industry had led to a nationwide shortage of skilled chefs.
Mr Egan, who owns Monsoon Poon, said there were plenty of international chefs who were happy to come to New Zealand. "If we could get them work permits, it's not hard to attract people to New Zealand."
VISA RENEWAL REJECTION PUTS CAFE EXPANSION PLANS AT RISK
Karl Hewlett was surprised when Goran Jatic, an experienced and talented chef, applied for a job at his then new cafe, Recreation @ Karori Park.
Now the Serb's application for a new work permit has been rejected and he he fears the impact that could have on the business and its five other staff.
Mr Hewlett opened the cafe in October last year. He had been looking for a new career after being made redundant as an IT professional. He and and his partner, Alida Steemson, initially served just coffee and counter food, and began searching for a chef in December to extend their service.
Communication with friends and business contacts yielded nothing. Two rounds of website advertising threw up only a handful of applicants. Most were foreign or New Zealanders who were either not considered competent or, by the time they were offered jobs, had been snapped up elsewhere.
Then Mr Jatic came onto the scene. On his first visit to the cafe, the 44-year-old began constructively assessing how he could work around the kitchen's limited size and unusual configuration.
With around a quarter of a century experience, Mr Jatic has skills including cooking for vegetarians, people with allergies and preparing nutritional children's meals.
"I was surprised that we were, as a new business, able to find a chef of Goran's quality," Mr Hewlett said, describing him as "capable, willing and cheerful", since he began working for him in February.
Well aware of the cost of food he "never makes a meal appear small or cheap".
As well as being a talented chef, the Serb has begun mentoring the cafe's 17-year-old kitchen hand, who has left school, to the point where his protege may eventually take on additional responsibilities if the cafe extended hours in the future.
While Mr Hewlett said he would have preferred to hire a New Zealander, Mr Jatic was the best candidate, with another European the second choice.
On April 1, Mr Jatic lodged an application for a new work visa. Six weeks later, after unexpected costs and delays, Immigration New Zealand indicated there were sufficient chefs in New Zealand to fill the role, rejecting the application. Mr Hewlett dismisses that outright, and is appealing.
It is a stress the young business can ill-afford. At best, Mr Hewlett said, time which should have been spent developing the business – he wants to move into event catering – was being consumed by the issue.
At worst it could ultimately threaten the cafe's viability if a visa was not granted or a skilled replacement was not found.
Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3832847/Chefs-in-demand-but-immigration-denies-shortage/
New Australian Prime Minister Experienced Immigration First Hand
Julia Gillard, who stepped into the position of Prime Minister yesterday, was born in Wales, and migrated with her family to Australian in 1966.
Coming from a migrant family, and with her electorate situated in Melbourne's western suburbs, an area where a high proportion of the population are migrants, it is hoped that the new prime minister can bring a fresh perspective to the role of Prime Minister.
In Wales, Julia's father John was a coal miner, meaning that aside from being a migrant, Ms Gillard also comes from a working class background.
The Gillard family immigrated to Australia on advice from doctors that Julia would recover from bronchopneumonia, an ailment she had been suffering from as a child, in a warmer climate.
Source:http://www.migrationexpert.com/australia/visa/australian_immigration_news/2010/jun/0/357/new_australian_prime_minister_experienced_immigration_first_hand
Coming from a migrant family, and with her electorate situated in Melbourne's western suburbs, an area where a high proportion of the population are migrants, it is hoped that the new prime minister can bring a fresh perspective to the role of Prime Minister.
In Wales, Julia's father John was a coal miner, meaning that aside from being a migrant, Ms Gillard also comes from a working class background.
The Gillard family immigrated to Australia on advice from doctors that Julia would recover from bronchopneumonia, an ailment she had been suffering from as a child, in a warmer climate.
Source:http://www.migrationexpert.com/australia/visa/australian_immigration_news/2010/jun/0/357/new_australian_prime_minister_experienced_immigration_first_hand
Friday, June 25, 2010
Australian Immigration Department Announces New English Language Assessment Changes
Reports are now showing that the English Language Tests for immigrants that are arriving in Australia are to be shaken up. This news came by way of the Australian Immigration Department just this week.
The English Language Test for immigrants was the definitive test for immigrants wishing to enter Australia. However, now the Australian Immigration Department has announced that they will consider rival exams, paving the way for competition amongst English language providers.
A spokesperson for the department did confirm that Senator Chris Evans has been in talks with other English language test providers to tell them of his support for the acceptance of more than one English language test under the emigration regulation. Rival exams like Toefl may now be accepted as a suitable assessment for the English language.
ETS, which is the company that produces the Toefl assessment, said that they are very hopeful that Tofel will soon be used by Australian immigrants taking English assessments. This would be a big step forward for ETS.
The English Language Test has been crucial to immigrants applying for Australian visas. Just recently the Australian Immigration Department announced that pass rates were set to get higher as they focus on getting more skilled immigrants in with good language skills. This shake up is just one part of a series of changes that is in the process for Australian immigrants.
Most of these plans have been in the works since 2008, when the Australian Immigration Department asked other English language assessment providers to put forward their case for inclusion within the emigration process. This could mean an end to the monopoly that the English Language Test has enjoyed for quite some time.
Source:http://news.overseas.com.au/9231448.html
The English Language Test for immigrants was the definitive test for immigrants wishing to enter Australia. However, now the Australian Immigration Department has announced that they will consider rival exams, paving the way for competition amongst English language providers.
A spokesperson for the department did confirm that Senator Chris Evans has been in talks with other English language test providers to tell them of his support for the acceptance of more than one English language test under the emigration regulation. Rival exams like Toefl may now be accepted as a suitable assessment for the English language.
ETS, which is the company that produces the Toefl assessment, said that they are very hopeful that Tofel will soon be used by Australian immigrants taking English assessments. This would be a big step forward for ETS.
The English Language Test has been crucial to immigrants applying for Australian visas. Just recently the Australian Immigration Department announced that pass rates were set to get higher as they focus on getting more skilled immigrants in with good language skills. This shake up is just one part of a series of changes that is in the process for Australian immigrants.
Most of these plans have been in the works since 2008, when the Australian Immigration Department asked other English language assessment providers to put forward their case for inclusion within the emigration process. This could mean an end to the monopoly that the English Language Test has enjoyed for quite some time.
Source:http://news.overseas.com.au/9231448.html
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Hate crime: Indian spin hope on Gillard
MELBOURNE: The Indian community in Australia welcomed the country’s first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard, describing her a “true friend of India,” and said they looked forward to working with her on their concerns.
“Gillard’s experience, commitment, intellect and capacity for hard work to bring about positive changes is legendary... Moreover, she is a true friend of India and the two countries will certainly continue to build on the solid foundations of existing relationships for mutual benefit,” Australia India Business Council vice chairman Ravi Bhatia said.
Ashvini Shekhar, Managing Director of Global pacific Nominees said Gillard’s taking over was positive for Indian students in Victoria as she came from the western side of Melbourne where most of the attacks had taken place.
“The Indian community looks forward to working together with Gillard, particularly in relation to the plight of the Indian student community who are going through a tumultuous time due to recent changes in the Federal Government’s Immigration policy,” Shekhar said.
The changes introduced in the Australian visa policy have pruned down the list of migration occupations in demand, leaving the future of many existing students in limbo. “We hope that her connection to this issue through her electoral constituents will lead Ms Gillard to take strong positive steps in improving the conditions of Indian students already in Australia,” said Shekhar.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Rest-of-World/Hate-crime-Indianspin-hope-on-Gillard/articleshow/6088073.cms
“Gillard’s experience, commitment, intellect and capacity for hard work to bring about positive changes is legendary... Moreover, she is a true friend of India and the two countries will certainly continue to build on the solid foundations of existing relationships for mutual benefit,” Australia India Business Council vice chairman Ravi Bhatia said.
Ashvini Shekhar, Managing Director of Global pacific Nominees said Gillard’s taking over was positive for Indian students in Victoria as she came from the western side of Melbourne where most of the attacks had taken place.
“The Indian community looks forward to working together with Gillard, particularly in relation to the plight of the Indian student community who are going through a tumultuous time due to recent changes in the Federal Government’s Immigration policy,” Shekhar said.
The changes introduced in the Australian visa policy have pruned down the list of migration occupations in demand, leaving the future of many existing students in limbo. “We hope that her connection to this issue through her electoral constituents will lead Ms Gillard to take strong positive steps in improving the conditions of Indian students already in Australia,” said Shekhar.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Rest-of-World/Hate-crime-Indianspin-hope-on-Gillard/articleshow/6088073.cms
Man who cleared IELTS for others in lieu of money, held
NEW DELHI: A 30-year-old man, who used to clear IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests, required for immigration, by impersonating candidates in return of money, was arrested here on Thursday.
Clearing the test is necessary for higher education and employment abroad as well as for immigration.
Police sources said Mohit, a resident of Rohini and an MBA from Canada, was arrested along with 42-year-old Gulshan, a resident of Uttam Nagar, and 27-year-old Rupinder Singh, hailing
from Ludhiana district of Punjab.
"Mohit used to take IELTS exam by impersonating candidates who could not pass it themselves. He used to charge Rs 2 lakh for clearing the test," a senior police officer said.
To avoid detection by the invigilators, Mohit allegedly used to take out the bio-data sheet with photograph of the original passport holder and replace it with that of his own without changing the other particulars.
"After clearing the IELTS test, he would re-stitch the original bio-data along with the photograph in the passport," the officer added. The matter came to light after Singh was detained by immigration authorities at IGI airport here on June 20 on suspicion that his passport was re-stitched, the police said. An IELTS certificate, which was issued in the name of Rupinder Singh, was also recovered from him, they said. On interrogation, the police claimed, Singh said he was in Australia forstudies since 2007 and wanted IELTS clearance certificate to become a permanent resident there.
Cops said Singh had appeared in the test twice but could not clear it. Singh allegedly approached Gulshan who took him to Mohit. Gulshan runs a transport business in Uttam Nagar.
Mohit had gone to Canada in 2002 and after completing his MBA, returned to India in 2005. Mohit was allegedly appearing for other candidates from last six months.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Man-who-cleared-IELTS-for-others-in-lieu-of-money-held/articleshow/6088173.cms
Clearing the test is necessary for higher education and employment abroad as well as for immigration.
Police sources said Mohit, a resident of Rohini and an MBA from Canada, was arrested along with 42-year-old Gulshan, a resident of Uttam Nagar, and 27-year-old Rupinder Singh, hailing
from Ludhiana district of Punjab.
"Mohit used to take IELTS exam by impersonating candidates who could not pass it themselves. He used to charge Rs 2 lakh for clearing the test," a senior police officer said.
To avoid detection by the invigilators, Mohit allegedly used to take out the bio-data sheet with photograph of the original passport holder and replace it with that of his own without changing the other particulars.
"After clearing the IELTS test, he would re-stitch the original bio-data along with the photograph in the passport," the officer added. The matter came to light after Singh was detained by immigration authorities at IGI airport here on June 20 on suspicion that his passport was re-stitched, the police said. An IELTS certificate, which was issued in the name of Rupinder Singh, was also recovered from him, they said. On interrogation, the police claimed, Singh said he was in Australia forstudies since 2007 and wanted IELTS clearance certificate to become a permanent resident there.
Cops said Singh had appeared in the test twice but could not clear it. Singh allegedly approached Gulshan who took him to Mohit. Gulshan runs a transport business in Uttam Nagar.
Mohit had gone to Canada in 2002 and after completing his MBA, returned to India in 2005. Mohit was allegedly appearing for other candidates from last six months.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Man-who-cleared-IELTS-for-others-in-lieu-of-money-held/articleshow/6088173.cms
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Overseas student market at risk
THE threat to universities from a significant downturn in international students is real and immigration needs to better refine its visa integrity.
These measures will ensure legitimate students aren't being caught in the crackdown.
Universities Australia chairman Peter Coaldrake has warned the federal government the sector isn't exaggerating its fears that changes to immigration regulations threaten damage to international student markets that are already vulnerable because of the high Australian dollar and increasing competition.
Professor Coaldrake said immigration needed to take a more "risk proportionate" approach.
The government was clamping down on "dodgy" migration practices that had led to students exploiting, and being exploited by, poor quality providers acting as "visa factories".
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"We agree with the broad policy settings, but the latest migration changes are almost certainly going to have unintended consequences and we need to digest those quickly and respond to them as promptly as we can," said Professor Coaldrake, who is vice-chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.
"We have to take a risk-proportionate approach to different categories of students. We have to recalibrate the visa approach to the type and level of course and to source countries," he said.
QUT's deputy vice-chancellor international, Scott Sheppard, said that while high incidences of fraud in Indian and other South Asian markets had justified a crackdown there, it would be fair to counter that by lowering assurance levels in China where compliance had improved. Immigration should also take greater account of the disciplines students were applying to study.
Last week the HES reported offshore grants for higher education were down 20 per cent in the nine months to March. Commencements in all three university pathway sectors - vocational, English language and schools - were down. English language commencements were down 30 per cent. "I think the government has a view that we are over-egging this . . . [but] we aren't over-egging this issue, we are very concerned about it," Professor Coaldrake said.
Mr Sheppard said a key problem was less the actual changes but the negative perceptions the changes were generating in international markets. He said the delay in releasing the new priority skills list, combined with the abrupt crackdown on some visa categories, had created confusion that could take a year to clear.
"The changes have sent a lot of negative messages out about whether Australia is welcoming of international students," he said.
Monash University vice-chancellor Ed Byrne said the sector and government needed to get on the "front foot" and reassure markets that Australia still welcomed international students and offered pathways for them to stay.
"I don't believe anybody in a position of authority wants to give this message, but the message has got out there that Australia may not be as welcoming for international students perhaps as it was in the past," he said.
Professor Byrne said a well-educated international student accustomed to Australia was a "fantastic" candidate for migration. But University of Melbourne migration expert Lesleyanne Hawthorne said universities would benefit from the changes.
While the sector as a whole was facing a significant downturn, she expected ongoing growth for universities as students rapidly attuned to the new settings.
"We are in a transition that we needed absolutely to have," she said. She said the new priorities on employer and government sponsorship for permanent residency would encourage students to take high-quality degrees to maximise their chances.
"Students will realise very quickly that in this changed system they need to invest in high-quality courses, in reputable institutions, and they would be sensible not to study in an oversupplied field such as business," she said.
Professor Hawthorne regularly researches key competitor Canada and believes that even under the new settings Australia remains attractive for students wanting to pursue permanent residency.
"Students aren't going to find an alternative quick and easy, cheap, study-migration pathway," she said.
"It [the new system] is a much more complicated system, but it isn't in the least hopeless for the study-migration pathway."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/overseas-student-market-at-risk/story-e6frgcjx-1225882948204
These measures will ensure legitimate students aren't being caught in the crackdown.
Universities Australia chairman Peter Coaldrake has warned the federal government the sector isn't exaggerating its fears that changes to immigration regulations threaten damage to international student markets that are already vulnerable because of the high Australian dollar and increasing competition.
Professor Coaldrake said immigration needed to take a more "risk proportionate" approach.
The government was clamping down on "dodgy" migration practices that had led to students exploiting, and being exploited by, poor quality providers acting as "visa factories".
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"We agree with the broad policy settings, but the latest migration changes are almost certainly going to have unintended consequences and we need to digest those quickly and respond to them as promptly as we can," said Professor Coaldrake, who is vice-chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.
"We have to take a risk-proportionate approach to different categories of students. We have to recalibrate the visa approach to the type and level of course and to source countries," he said.
QUT's deputy vice-chancellor international, Scott Sheppard, said that while high incidences of fraud in Indian and other South Asian markets had justified a crackdown there, it would be fair to counter that by lowering assurance levels in China where compliance had improved. Immigration should also take greater account of the disciplines students were applying to study.
Last week the HES reported offshore grants for higher education were down 20 per cent in the nine months to March. Commencements in all three university pathway sectors - vocational, English language and schools - were down. English language commencements were down 30 per cent. "I think the government has a view that we are over-egging this . . . [but] we aren't over-egging this issue, we are very concerned about it," Professor Coaldrake said.
Mr Sheppard said a key problem was less the actual changes but the negative perceptions the changes were generating in international markets. He said the delay in releasing the new priority skills list, combined with the abrupt crackdown on some visa categories, had created confusion that could take a year to clear.
"The changes have sent a lot of negative messages out about whether Australia is welcoming of international students," he said.
Monash University vice-chancellor Ed Byrne said the sector and government needed to get on the "front foot" and reassure markets that Australia still welcomed international students and offered pathways for them to stay.
"I don't believe anybody in a position of authority wants to give this message, but the message has got out there that Australia may not be as welcoming for international students perhaps as it was in the past," he said.
Professor Byrne said a well-educated international student accustomed to Australia was a "fantastic" candidate for migration. But University of Melbourne migration expert Lesleyanne Hawthorne said universities would benefit from the changes.
While the sector as a whole was facing a significant downturn, she expected ongoing growth for universities as students rapidly attuned to the new settings.
"We are in a transition that we needed absolutely to have," she said. She said the new priorities on employer and government sponsorship for permanent residency would encourage students to take high-quality degrees to maximise their chances.
"Students will realise very quickly that in this changed system they need to invest in high-quality courses, in reputable institutions, and they would be sensible not to study in an oversupplied field such as business," she said.
Professor Hawthorne regularly researches key competitor Canada and believes that even under the new settings Australia remains attractive for students wanting to pursue permanent residency.
"Students aren't going to find an alternative quick and easy, cheap, study-migration pathway," she said.
"It [the new system] is a much more complicated system, but it isn't in the least hopeless for the study-migration pathway."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/overseas-student-market-at-risk/story-e6frgcjx-1225882948204
Take into account concerns of our students: India to Australia
NEW DELHI: India today renewed its call to Australia for taking into account concerns of Indian students studying there while implementing new
migration laws under which the skilled jobs list was pruned.
Requesting Australia to protect the interests of the Indian students, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said the new laws should be implemented "prospectively" and "not retrospectively".
"We request Australia to address genuine concerns of our students studying there. The students should at least be allowed to complete their courses," Ravi, who arrived here yesterday after a five-day trip to Australia, said.
Under the new migration rules, the Australian government has trimmed the skilled occupation list (SOL) for getting permanent resident status in Australia from the earlier 450 to 150.
The SOL now does not comprise most sought-after courses among Indian students like hair dressing and cookery.
"I told the Australian ministers to implement the provisions of the new law prospectively and not retrospectively," he said.
Ravi said he held talks with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, Trade Minister Simon Crean, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans and discussed various bilateral issues, including welfare of the Indian diaspora.
According to him, since a large number Indian students came to Australia under the previous immigration rules and currently enrolled in vocational colleges, that country should ensure that they complete their studies.
Indians are the second largest group of foreign students in Australian after the Chinese. Over one lakh Indian students are enrolled in different colleges in that country.
Ravi said he also met Victoria Premier John Brumby and discussed with him possibilities of the province helping the students find employment under the state sponsored immigration policy.
In a latest development, South Australian government cancelled the registration of the Adelaide Pacific International College putting careers of over 450 Indian students studying there in jeopardy. The registration of the college was cancelled after it failed audits.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Take-into-account-concerns-of-our-students-India-to-Australia/articleshow/6083007.cms
migration laws under which the skilled jobs list was pruned.
Requesting Australia to protect the interests of the Indian students, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said the new laws should be implemented "prospectively" and "not retrospectively".
"We request Australia to address genuine concerns of our students studying there. The students should at least be allowed to complete their courses," Ravi, who arrived here yesterday after a five-day trip to Australia, said.
Under the new migration rules, the Australian government has trimmed the skilled occupation list (SOL) for getting permanent resident status in Australia from the earlier 450 to 150.
The SOL now does not comprise most sought-after courses among Indian students like hair dressing and cookery.
"I told the Australian ministers to implement the provisions of the new law prospectively and not retrospectively," he said.
Ravi said he held talks with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, Trade Minister Simon Crean, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans and discussed various bilateral issues, including welfare of the Indian diaspora.
According to him, since a large number Indian students came to Australia under the previous immigration rules and currently enrolled in vocational colleges, that country should ensure that they complete their studies.
Indians are the second largest group of foreign students in Australian after the Chinese. Over one lakh Indian students are enrolled in different colleges in that country.
Ravi said he also met Victoria Premier John Brumby and discussed with him possibilities of the province helping the students find employment under the state sponsored immigration policy.
In a latest development, South Australian government cancelled the registration of the Adelaide Pacific International College putting careers of over 450 Indian students studying there in jeopardy. The registration of the college was cancelled after it failed audits.
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Take-into-account-concerns-of-our-students-India-to-Australia/articleshow/6083007.cms
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sector calls for government to kill visa bill
STUDENTS and universities fear the consequences of residency changes.
UMUT Ozguc is the kind of foreign research talent Australia needs in order to to fend off the skills shortage, but she is worried she may have to pack and leave the country in 28 days under proposed visa changes.
Universities Australia has called for natural justice for overseas students caught up in the government's crackdown on dodgy colleges. Ozguc, meanwhile, describes the latest moves concerning residency applications by former overseas students as undemocratic.
"My concern is about the [proposed visa] capping bill that gives an immigration minister unlimited power to cancel any residency application at any time," she says.
The Turkish national has completed a two-year research masters in political science at the University of NSW, worked there as a researcher, and is now a doctoral candidate.
Ozguc - who specialises in immigration and border security - applied for permanent residency last year before crucial student visa changes were announced by Immigration Minister Chris Evans in February.
However, she and thousands of other overseas students, here for years waiting for their residency applications to be approved, now fear their lives will be upended by the changes, which they dub the "kill bill".
"No one is safe. Chris Evans says he won't use the powers except in an emergency, but there are elections this year so we don't know who will be minister next year," she says.
Ozguc - who is on a bridging visa - says she doesn't think it is fair that students who made valid applications for residency before the February changes may have to leave the country if the visa capping bill passes later this year.
"I find it an undemocratic way of dealing with residency applications," she says.
UA chief executive Glenn Withers tells the HES the capping proposals are the latest of a series of decisions that have not been well thought through.
"The failure to understand the need to provide natural justice to international students when rules change is particularly problematic," he says.
Withers says universities would prefer that the government not change the rules mid-stream for students already onshore.
Universities have supported government moves to recruit more highly skilled migrants and clean up the rorting of the student visa program by the bottom end of the private vocational sector.
However, they are now worried for two reasons about the abrupt and rapid changes to the student visa regime.
First, they are worried by the government's interventions given their reliance on overseas student fee income to help fund domestic university teaching.
And second, they are worried by what they describe as the "overwhelming impending structural shortage" of the academics and tutors needed to staff universities and train the next generation of professionals.
However, Evans last week defended the fairness of the visa rule changes, claiming grandfathering arrangements in the form of the 18-month bridging visa had been extended to more than 100,000 former overseas students.
Monash University demographer Bob Birrell says these students - here before the February announcement - could apply for this bridging visa when they finished their courses, even if their occupation was not on the new skilled occupation list.
"So in this sense, overseas students have actually been favoured relative to other potential applicants for Australian visas," Birrell says.
However, former Australian Council of Education and Training chief Tim Smith describes the proposed visa changes as arbitrary.
Smith says he is especially concerned about the 70,000 students who came to study in Australia before the announcement of the review of the migration program in December 2008.
These students - now mostly in their final year - had come to Australia when government practice - if not policy - rewarded students in key courses with residency, he says.
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/sector-calls-for-government-to-kill-visa-bill/story-e6frgcjx-1225882950106
UMUT Ozguc is the kind of foreign research talent Australia needs in order to to fend off the skills shortage, but she is worried she may have to pack and leave the country in 28 days under proposed visa changes.
Universities Australia has called for natural justice for overseas students caught up in the government's crackdown on dodgy colleges. Ozguc, meanwhile, describes the latest moves concerning residency applications by former overseas students as undemocratic.
"My concern is about the [proposed visa] capping bill that gives an immigration minister unlimited power to cancel any residency application at any time," she says.
The Turkish national has completed a two-year research masters in political science at the University of NSW, worked there as a researcher, and is now a doctoral candidate.
Ozguc - who specialises in immigration and border security - applied for permanent residency last year before crucial student visa changes were announced by Immigration Minister Chris Evans in February.
However, she and thousands of other overseas students, here for years waiting for their residency applications to be approved, now fear their lives will be upended by the changes, which they dub the "kill bill".
"No one is safe. Chris Evans says he won't use the powers except in an emergency, but there are elections this year so we don't know who will be minister next year," she says.
Ozguc - who is on a bridging visa - says she doesn't think it is fair that students who made valid applications for residency before the February changes may have to leave the country if the visa capping bill passes later this year.
"I find it an undemocratic way of dealing with residency applications," she says.
UA chief executive Glenn Withers tells the HES the capping proposals are the latest of a series of decisions that have not been well thought through.
"The failure to understand the need to provide natural justice to international students when rules change is particularly problematic," he says.
Withers says universities would prefer that the government not change the rules mid-stream for students already onshore.
Universities have supported government moves to recruit more highly skilled migrants and clean up the rorting of the student visa program by the bottom end of the private vocational sector.
However, they are now worried for two reasons about the abrupt and rapid changes to the student visa regime.
First, they are worried by the government's interventions given their reliance on overseas student fee income to help fund domestic university teaching.
And second, they are worried by what they describe as the "overwhelming impending structural shortage" of the academics and tutors needed to staff universities and train the next generation of professionals.
However, Evans last week defended the fairness of the visa rule changes, claiming grandfathering arrangements in the form of the 18-month bridging visa had been extended to more than 100,000 former overseas students.
Monash University demographer Bob Birrell says these students - here before the February announcement - could apply for this bridging visa when they finished their courses, even if their occupation was not on the new skilled occupation list.
"So in this sense, overseas students have actually been favoured relative to other potential applicants for Australian visas," Birrell says.
However, former Australian Council of Education and Training chief Tim Smith describes the proposed visa changes as arbitrary.
Smith says he is especially concerned about the 70,000 students who came to study in Australia before the announcement of the review of the migration program in December 2008.
These students - now mostly in their final year - had come to Australia when government practice - if not policy - rewarded students in key courses with residency, he says.
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/sector-calls-for-government-to-kill-visa-bill/story-e6frgcjx-1225882950106
Sri Lanka warns vessel with LTTE remnants headed to Australia
Sri Lanka has warned that a vessel carrying asylum seekers with connections to the LTTE could be headed for Australia.
High commissioner of Sri Lanka Senaka Walgampaya said yesterday (June 20) that he had credible information that a boat, believed to be connected to the remnants of the LTTE, had upwards of 200 people on it.
"Earlier on, the boat was going to Canada; now it is confirmed that they are trying to come to Australia," he has said.
"We are told that the boat itself does not belong to the LTTE but they are people who have links to the LTTE," Mr. Walgampaya said.
His warning came as prime minister Kevin Rudd today (June 21) holds his last ministerial meeting before parliamentary polls in which the issue of asylum seekers will feature prominently.
The Sri Lankan diplomat also urged Mr. Rudd to extend a three-month suspension of reviewing Sri Lankan asylum claims.
Source:http://www.colombotoday.com/english/articles/Lite/Lanka-warns-vessel-LTTE-remnants-headed-Australia/12422.htm
High commissioner of Sri Lanka Senaka Walgampaya said yesterday (June 20) that he had credible information that a boat, believed to be connected to the remnants of the LTTE, had upwards of 200 people on it.
"Earlier on, the boat was going to Canada; now it is confirmed that they are trying to come to Australia," he has said.
"We are told that the boat itself does not belong to the LTTE but they are people who have links to the LTTE," Mr. Walgampaya said.
His warning came as prime minister Kevin Rudd today (June 21) holds his last ministerial meeting before parliamentary polls in which the issue of asylum seekers will feature prominently.
The Sri Lankan diplomat also urged Mr. Rudd to extend a three-month suspension of reviewing Sri Lankan asylum claims.
Source:http://www.colombotoday.com/english/articles/Lite/Lanka-warns-vessel-LTTE-remnants-headed-Australia/12422.htm
Australia told of concerns over students issue
India is urging Australia to chart its new immigration policy in a manner that will not affect the Indian students who were granted visas for vocational courses before the start of the current exercise to change the relevant laws.
In raising concerns over a possible “retrospective impact” on these students, India was not disputing Australia's sovereign rights to change its laws, said Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi here on Tuesday.
Speaking to The Hindu while on his way back home after visiting Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Ravi said he was informed that there was absolutely no intention to reduce the number of Australian immigration visas in respect of eligible Indian students. However, he received no promises from the authorities at this stage. At the same time, he “impressed upon them” how serious India's concerns were.
One issue was a spin-off from Canberra's right to place a cap on the number of Indians who could pursue vocational training courses. A more pressing concern was an emerging scenario of difficulties for those already in Australia with expectations of permanent residence under the old rules.
There were no serious problems at any time concerning the Indian students who had regularly gone to Australian universities for the sole purpose of higher education.
India, for its part, was now considering new legislation to “regulate student mobility” as part of an overall emigration-management exercise. The idea was to “focus on agents and not on the individual students going abroad,” he emphasised.
Student-recruiting agents, on their own or on behalf of the education service providers in countries such as Australia, were now under the scanner in that country as well.
Mr. Ravi told his Australian interlocutors, including the Immigration and Foreign Ministers, Chris Evans and Stephen Smith respectively, that New Delhi appreciated the steps taken to enhance the security of Indian students across Australia. India also recognised that the problems its students were facing in Australia were “not a racial issue.”
Tracing his “argument” that was put across to the Australian authorities, Mr. Ravi said: “The Indian students now in Australia [for the vocational stream] came on the basis of your list of skilled occupations for employment [while studying] and for permanent residence. It is good that you reduced the list from 400 to 181 occupations, and we have no quarrel on that. These students came on the [previous] list. But all of a sudden, you now ask them to find a sponsor before the end of 2012, or go away. That seems to be the problem.”
Sponsorship issue
The issue of sponsorship was “a new complication” now. Extending the “argument,” Mr. Ravi recalled that he told the Australian authorities as follows: “You are allowing changes in the courses of study. But where are the courses? Many colleges [for vocational training] have been closed.”
Quality considerations and other factors accounted for such closures, he pointed out.
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/2010/06/23/stories/2010062356402400.htm
In raising concerns over a possible “retrospective impact” on these students, India was not disputing Australia's sovereign rights to change its laws, said Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi here on Tuesday.
Speaking to The Hindu while on his way back home after visiting Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Ravi said he was informed that there was absolutely no intention to reduce the number of Australian immigration visas in respect of eligible Indian students. However, he received no promises from the authorities at this stage. At the same time, he “impressed upon them” how serious India's concerns were.
One issue was a spin-off from Canberra's right to place a cap on the number of Indians who could pursue vocational training courses. A more pressing concern was an emerging scenario of difficulties for those already in Australia with expectations of permanent residence under the old rules.
There were no serious problems at any time concerning the Indian students who had regularly gone to Australian universities for the sole purpose of higher education.
India, for its part, was now considering new legislation to “regulate student mobility” as part of an overall emigration-management exercise. The idea was to “focus on agents and not on the individual students going abroad,” he emphasised.
Student-recruiting agents, on their own or on behalf of the education service providers in countries such as Australia, were now under the scanner in that country as well.
Mr. Ravi told his Australian interlocutors, including the Immigration and Foreign Ministers, Chris Evans and Stephen Smith respectively, that New Delhi appreciated the steps taken to enhance the security of Indian students across Australia. India also recognised that the problems its students were facing in Australia were “not a racial issue.”
Tracing his “argument” that was put across to the Australian authorities, Mr. Ravi said: “The Indian students now in Australia [for the vocational stream] came on the basis of your list of skilled occupations for employment [while studying] and for permanent residence. It is good that you reduced the list from 400 to 181 occupations, and we have no quarrel on that. These students came on the [previous] list. But all of a sudden, you now ask them to find a sponsor before the end of 2012, or go away. That seems to be the problem.”
Sponsorship issue
The issue of sponsorship was “a new complication” now. Extending the “argument,” Mr. Ravi recalled that he told the Australian authorities as follows: “You are allowing changes in the courses of study. But where are the courses? Many colleges [for vocational training] have been closed.”
Quality considerations and other factors accounted for such closures, he pointed out.
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/2010/06/23/stories/2010062356402400.htm
Overseas student market at risk
THE threat to universities from a significant downturn in international students is real and immigration needs to better refine its visa integrity.
These measures will ensure legitimate students aren't being caught in the crackdown.
Universities Australia chairman Peter Coaldrake has warned the federal government the sector isn't exaggerating its fears that changes to immigration regulations threaten damage to international student markets that are already vulnerable because of the high Australian dollar and increasing competition.
Professor Coaldrake said immigration needed to take a more "risk proportionate" approach.
The government was clamping down on "dodgy" migration practices that had led to students exploiting, and being exploited by, poor quality providers acting as "visa factories".
"We agree with the broad policy settings, but the latest migration changes are almost certainly going to have unintended consequences and we need to digest those quickly and respond to them as promptly as we can," said Professor Coaldrake, who is vice-chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.
"We have to take a risk-proportionate approach to different categories of students. We have to recalibrate the visa approach to the type and level of course and to source countries," he said.
QUT's deputy vice-chancellor international, Scott Sheppard, said that while high incidences of fraud in Indian and other South Asian markets had justified a crackdown there, it would be fair to counter that by lowering assurance levels in China where compliance had improved. Immigration should also take greater account of the disciplines students were applying to study.
Last week the HES reported offshore grants for higher education were down 20 per cent in the nine months to March. Commencements in all three university pathway sectors - vocational, English language and schools - were down. English language commencements were down 30 per cent. "I think the government has a view that we are over-egging this . . . [but] we aren't over-egging this issue, we are very concerned about it," Professor Coaldrake said.
Mr Sheppard said a key problem was less the actual changes but the negative perceptions the changes were generating in international markets. He said the delay in releasing the new priority skills list, combined with the abrupt crackdown on some visa categories, had created confusion that could take a year to clear.
"The changes have sent a lot of negative messages out about whether Australia is welcoming of international students," he said.
Monash University vice-chancellor Ed Byrne said the sector and government needed to get on the "front foot" and reassure markets that Australia still welcomed international students and offered pathways for them to stay.
"I don't believe anybody in a position of authority wants to give this message, but the message has got out there that Australia may not be as welcoming for international students perhaps as it was in the past," he said.
Professor Byrne said a well-educated international student accustomed to Australia was a "fantastic" candidate for migration. But University of Melbourne migration expert Lesleyanne Hawthorne said universities would benefit from the changes.
While the sector as a whole was facing a significant downturn, she expected ongoing growth for universities as students rapidly attuned to the new settings.
"We are in a transition that we needed absolutely to have," she said. She said the new priorities on employer and government sponsorship for permanent residency would encourage students to take high-quality degrees to maximise their chances.
"Students will realise very quickly that in this changed system they need to invest in high-quality courses, in reputable institutions, and they would be sensible not to study in an oversupplied field such as business," she said.
Professor Hawthorne regularly researches key competitor Canada and believes that even under the new settings Australia remains attractive for students wanting to pursue permanent residency.
"Students aren't going to find an alternative quick and easy, cheap, study-migration pathway," she said.
"It [the new system] is a much more complicated system, but it isn't in the least hopeless for the study-migration pathway."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/overseas-student-market-at-risk/story-e6frgcjx-1225882948204
These measures will ensure legitimate students aren't being caught in the crackdown.
Universities Australia chairman Peter Coaldrake has warned the federal government the sector isn't exaggerating its fears that changes to immigration regulations threaten damage to international student markets that are already vulnerable because of the high Australian dollar and increasing competition.
Professor Coaldrake said immigration needed to take a more "risk proportionate" approach.
The government was clamping down on "dodgy" migration practices that had led to students exploiting, and being exploited by, poor quality providers acting as "visa factories".
"We agree with the broad policy settings, but the latest migration changes are almost certainly going to have unintended consequences and we need to digest those quickly and respond to them as promptly as we can," said Professor Coaldrake, who is vice-chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.
"We have to take a risk-proportionate approach to different categories of students. We have to recalibrate the visa approach to the type and level of course and to source countries," he said.
QUT's deputy vice-chancellor international, Scott Sheppard, said that while high incidences of fraud in Indian and other South Asian markets had justified a crackdown there, it would be fair to counter that by lowering assurance levels in China where compliance had improved. Immigration should also take greater account of the disciplines students were applying to study.
Last week the HES reported offshore grants for higher education were down 20 per cent in the nine months to March. Commencements in all three university pathway sectors - vocational, English language and schools - were down. English language commencements were down 30 per cent. "I think the government has a view that we are over-egging this . . . [but] we aren't over-egging this issue, we are very concerned about it," Professor Coaldrake said.
Mr Sheppard said a key problem was less the actual changes but the negative perceptions the changes were generating in international markets. He said the delay in releasing the new priority skills list, combined with the abrupt crackdown on some visa categories, had created confusion that could take a year to clear.
"The changes have sent a lot of negative messages out about whether Australia is welcoming of international students," he said.
Monash University vice-chancellor Ed Byrne said the sector and government needed to get on the "front foot" and reassure markets that Australia still welcomed international students and offered pathways for them to stay.
"I don't believe anybody in a position of authority wants to give this message, but the message has got out there that Australia may not be as welcoming for international students perhaps as it was in the past," he said.
Professor Byrne said a well-educated international student accustomed to Australia was a "fantastic" candidate for migration. But University of Melbourne migration expert Lesleyanne Hawthorne said universities would benefit from the changes.
While the sector as a whole was facing a significant downturn, she expected ongoing growth for universities as students rapidly attuned to the new settings.
"We are in a transition that we needed absolutely to have," she said. She said the new priorities on employer and government sponsorship for permanent residency would encourage students to take high-quality degrees to maximise their chances.
"Students will realise very quickly that in this changed system they need to invest in high-quality courses, in reputable institutions, and they would be sensible not to study in an oversupplied field such as business," she said.
Professor Hawthorne regularly researches key competitor Canada and believes that even under the new settings Australia remains attractive for students wanting to pursue permanent residency.
"Students aren't going to find an alternative quick and easy, cheap, study-migration pathway," she said.
"It [the new system] is a much more complicated system, but it isn't in the least hopeless for the study-migration pathway."
Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/overseas-student-market-at-risk/story-e6frgcjx-1225882948204
Monday, June 21, 2010
YouTube highlights dangers of people smugglers
YouTube is proving a successful tool to reach asylum seekers’ families and friends in Australia to highlight the grim realities and risks in engaging with people smugglers.
The channel, No to People Smuggling, is an important tool in the Australian Government’s efforts to discourage asylum seekers from making the dangerous trip to Australia by boat.
www.youtube.com/user/notopeoplesmuggling
“No to People Smuggling aims to raise awareness and educate communities within Australia about the dangers and uncertainties of using people smugglers,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“No to People Smuggling allows people to watch and hear detailed accounts taken from those who have risked their lives and those of their families to undertake the treacherous journey to Australia.
“The stories detail the grave dangers faced on the open seas in small and often unseaworthy boats, with no guarantee of reaching Australia or being granted asylum,” the spokesman said. “Communities in Australia can share these stories with friends and relatives overseas at risk of engaging with people smugglers.”
The tragic and unnecessary loss of five lives at sea on an Australian-bound vessel in May this year was a grim reminder of the realities of making the dangerous trip to Australia at the hands of people smugglers.
The government has suspended processing Sri Lankan claims for three months and claims from Afghan asylum seekers for six months.
The changing circumstances in these countries means it is likely that more asylum claims from these countries will be refused.
There are safe and lawful visa options for people wanting to resettle in Australia, including sponsorship by relatives already here. Those who pursue a lawful settlement option are following the right path and not needlessly risking their lives.
“Asylum seekers will only be granted the right to live in Australia if they are genuinely in need of protection – seeking a better life and more opportunities is not grounds to be granted asylum.”
This is DIAC’s second foray into using YouTube to communicate with its stakeholders, after the success of its ImmiTV channel (www.youtube.com/ImmiTV) launched two years ago.
Source:http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/814
The channel, No to People Smuggling, is an important tool in the Australian Government’s efforts to discourage asylum seekers from making the dangerous trip to Australia by boat.
www.youtube.com/user/notopeoplesmuggling
“No to People Smuggling aims to raise awareness and educate communities within Australia about the dangers and uncertainties of using people smugglers,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“No to People Smuggling allows people to watch and hear detailed accounts taken from those who have risked their lives and those of their families to undertake the treacherous journey to Australia.
“The stories detail the grave dangers faced on the open seas in small and often unseaworthy boats, with no guarantee of reaching Australia or being granted asylum,” the spokesman said. “Communities in Australia can share these stories with friends and relatives overseas at risk of engaging with people smugglers.”
The tragic and unnecessary loss of five lives at sea on an Australian-bound vessel in May this year was a grim reminder of the realities of making the dangerous trip to Australia at the hands of people smugglers.
The government has suspended processing Sri Lankan claims for three months and claims from Afghan asylum seekers for six months.
The changing circumstances in these countries means it is likely that more asylum claims from these countries will be refused.
There are safe and lawful visa options for people wanting to resettle in Australia, including sponsorship by relatives already here. Those who pursue a lawful settlement option are following the right path and not needlessly risking their lives.
“Asylum seekers will only be granted the right to live in Australia if they are genuinely in need of protection – seeking a better life and more opportunities is not grounds to be granted asylum.”
This is DIAC’s second foray into using YouTube to communicate with its stakeholders, after the success of its ImmiTV channel (www.youtube.com/ImmiTV) launched two years ago.
Source:http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/814
Chefs in demand but immigration denies shortage
Immigration officials have promised to review the way they hand out work permits to chefs as hospitality officials warn the policy is damaging the industry.
Tomorrow, staff from the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development will meet representatives from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (Hanz) and hotel representatives to discuss the issue.
Restaurant owners have complained that there is a shortage of experienced chefs in New Zealand, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get work permits for skilled foreign staff.
Some have warned that their businesses could be put at risk, as staff are forced to leave the country despite their employers struggling to replace them.
Tracy Scott, regional manager for Hanz said the association had been highlighting the problem for more than a year, with immigration officials claiming there were enough New Zealand citizens available to fill roles as experienced chefs.
"They keep coming back to us and saying there are people in New Zealand who can do these jobs," Ms Scott said.
"Show them to us. Where are they? They're not applying for jobs."
The problem, she said, appeared to be worse in Wellington than elsewhere, at a time when the capital was trying to brand itself as a culinary destination.
In a meeting with Immigration New Zealand staff earlier this month Ms Scott was told there were 28 unemployed chefs with several years' experience in the Wellington region. She said she offered to find them all work within 24 hours, but was later supplied with only two CVs.
"Show me 20 experienced chefs and there will be a lot of people very interested in seeing their CVs – we could pretty much guarantee to find them all work."
The Ministry of Labour, which includes Immigration, relies in part on data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to determine whether there are enough New Zealanders to fill a job category.
On Friday the MSD said it could supply information on how many people had told Work and Income that being a chef was a "work option" but not their level of experience or even if they had worked in the industry.
Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said he had given "clear direction" that the two organisations needed to communicate clearly.
"It's not much good Immigration New Zealand saying that MSD is telling them they've got suitable people [to fill jobs] and it turns out those people aren't suitable."
While the policy on work permits would always be that New Zealanders would be favoured, Mr Coleman said where there was a genuine shortage permits would be granted to foreigners.
Nigel Bickle, the head of immigration for the Department of Labour, said it understood the importance of the industry and would work with representatives to review the skills shortages lists.
Mike Egan, the president of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said a shortage of new trainees, along with a growing industry had led to a nationwide shortage of skilled chefs.
Mr Egan, who owns Monsoon Poon, said there were plenty of international chefs who were happy to come to New Zealand. "If we could get them work permits, it's not hard to attract people to New Zealand."
VISA RENEWAL REJECTION PUTS CAFE EXPANSION PLANS AT RISK
Karl Hewlett was surprised when Goran Jatic, an experienced and talented chef, applied for a job at his then new cafe, Recreation @ Karori Park.
Now the Serb's application for a new work permit has been rejected and he he fears the impact that could have on the business and its five other staff.
Mr Hewlett opened the cafe in October last year. He had been looking for a new career after being made redundant as an IT professional. He and and his partner, Alida Steemson, initially served just coffee and counter food, and began searching for a chef in December to extend their service.
Communication with friends and business contacts yielded nothing. Two rounds of website advertising threw up only a handful of applicants. Most were foreign or New Zealanders who were either not considered competent or, by the time they were offered jobs, had been snapped up elsewhere.
Then Mr Jatic came onto the scene. On his first visit to the cafe, the 44-year-old began constructively assessing how he could work around the kitchen's limited size and unusual configuration.
With around a quarter of a century experience, Mr Jatic has skills including cooking for vegetarians, people with allergies and preparing nutritional children's meals.
"I was surprised that we were, as a new business, able to find a chef of Goran's quality," Mr Hewlett said, describing him as "capable, willing and cheerful", since he began working for him in February.
Well aware of the cost of food he "never makes a meal appear small or cheap".
As well as being a talented chef, the Serb has begun mentoring the cafe's 17-year-old kitchen hand, who has left school, to the point where his protege may eventually take on additional responsibilities if the cafe extended hours in the future.
While Mr Hewlett said he would have preferred to hire a New Zealander, Mr Jatic was the best candidate, with another European the second choice.
On April 1, Mr Jatic lodged an application for a new work visa. Six weeks later, after unexpected costs and delays, Immigration New Zealand indicated there were sufficient chefs in New Zealand to fill the role, rejecting the application. Mr Hewlett dismisses that outright, and is appealing.
It is a stress the young business can ill-afford. At best, Mr Hewlett said, time which should have been spent developing the business – he wants to move into event catering – was being consumed by the issue.
At worst it could ultimately threaten the cafe's viability if a visa was not granted or a skilled replacement was not found.
Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3832847/Chefs-in-demand-but-immigration-denies-shortage/
Tomorrow, staff from the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development will meet representatives from the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (Hanz) and hotel representatives to discuss the issue.
Restaurant owners have complained that there is a shortage of experienced chefs in New Zealand, and that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get work permits for skilled foreign staff.
Some have warned that their businesses could be put at risk, as staff are forced to leave the country despite their employers struggling to replace them.
Tracy Scott, regional manager for Hanz said the association had been highlighting the problem for more than a year, with immigration officials claiming there were enough New Zealand citizens available to fill roles as experienced chefs.
"They keep coming back to us and saying there are people in New Zealand who can do these jobs," Ms Scott said.
"Show them to us. Where are they? They're not applying for jobs."
The problem, she said, appeared to be worse in Wellington than elsewhere, at a time when the capital was trying to brand itself as a culinary destination.
In a meeting with Immigration New Zealand staff earlier this month Ms Scott was told there were 28 unemployed chefs with several years' experience in the Wellington region. She said she offered to find them all work within 24 hours, but was later supplied with only two CVs.
"Show me 20 experienced chefs and there will be a lot of people very interested in seeing their CVs – we could pretty much guarantee to find them all work."
The Ministry of Labour, which includes Immigration, relies in part on data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to determine whether there are enough New Zealanders to fill a job category.
On Friday the MSD said it could supply information on how many people had told Work and Income that being a chef was a "work option" but not their level of experience or even if they had worked in the industry.
Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said he had given "clear direction" that the two organisations needed to communicate clearly.
"It's not much good Immigration New Zealand saying that MSD is telling them they've got suitable people [to fill jobs] and it turns out those people aren't suitable."
While the policy on work permits would always be that New Zealanders would be favoured, Mr Coleman said where there was a genuine shortage permits would be granted to foreigners.
Nigel Bickle, the head of immigration for the Department of Labour, said it understood the importance of the industry and would work with representatives to review the skills shortages lists.
Mike Egan, the president of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said a shortage of new trainees, along with a growing industry had led to a nationwide shortage of skilled chefs.
Mr Egan, who owns Monsoon Poon, said there were plenty of international chefs who were happy to come to New Zealand. "If we could get them work permits, it's not hard to attract people to New Zealand."
VISA RENEWAL REJECTION PUTS CAFE EXPANSION PLANS AT RISK
Karl Hewlett was surprised when Goran Jatic, an experienced and talented chef, applied for a job at his then new cafe, Recreation @ Karori Park.
Now the Serb's application for a new work permit has been rejected and he he fears the impact that could have on the business and its five other staff.
Mr Hewlett opened the cafe in October last year. He had been looking for a new career after being made redundant as an IT professional. He and and his partner, Alida Steemson, initially served just coffee and counter food, and began searching for a chef in December to extend their service.
Communication with friends and business contacts yielded nothing. Two rounds of website advertising threw up only a handful of applicants. Most were foreign or New Zealanders who were either not considered competent or, by the time they were offered jobs, had been snapped up elsewhere.
Then Mr Jatic came onto the scene. On his first visit to the cafe, the 44-year-old began constructively assessing how he could work around the kitchen's limited size and unusual configuration.
With around a quarter of a century experience, Mr Jatic has skills including cooking for vegetarians, people with allergies and preparing nutritional children's meals.
"I was surprised that we were, as a new business, able to find a chef of Goran's quality," Mr Hewlett said, describing him as "capable, willing and cheerful", since he began working for him in February.
Well aware of the cost of food he "never makes a meal appear small or cheap".
As well as being a talented chef, the Serb has begun mentoring the cafe's 17-year-old kitchen hand, who has left school, to the point where his protege may eventually take on additional responsibilities if the cafe extended hours in the future.
While Mr Hewlett said he would have preferred to hire a New Zealander, Mr Jatic was the best candidate, with another European the second choice.
On April 1, Mr Jatic lodged an application for a new work visa. Six weeks later, after unexpected costs and delays, Immigration New Zealand indicated there were sufficient chefs in New Zealand to fill the role, rejecting the application. Mr Hewlett dismisses that outright, and is appealing.
It is a stress the young business can ill-afford. At best, Mr Hewlett said, time which should have been spent developing the business – he wants to move into event catering – was being consumed by the issue.
At worst it could ultimately threaten the cafe's viability if a visa was not granted or a skilled replacement was not found.
Source:http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3832847/Chefs-in-demand-but-immigration-denies-shortage/
Sunday, June 20, 2010
New Zealand Annual Immigration Grows at Slower Pace
June 21 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand’s annual immigration growth slowed in May for a fourth straight month as more residents departed.
The number of permanent migrant arrivals exceeded departures by 17,967 in the 12 months ended May 31, Statistics New Zealand said today in Wellington. That’s down from 19,954 in the year through April and is the lowest since September.
Finance Minister Bill English last month cut income taxes as the government seeks to encourage more New Zealanders to stay home rather than leave for higher paid jobs overseas. Fewer immigrants, low wages and tight credit are curbing domestic demand, adding to signs the central bank will only raise interest rates gradually this year.
“Although net migration has slowed much faster than anticipated, we expect the annual flow to stabilize at around 10,000, similar to the Reserve Bank’s outlook,” said Jane Turner, an economist at ASB Bank Ltd. in Auckland. “For now, the bank is likely to be comfortable with the subdued net migration and housing outlook.”
Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard increased the official cash rate a quarter-point to 2.75 percent on June 10 after keeping borrowing costs at a record low for 14 months.
Local Currency
The New Zealand dollar bought 71.22 U.S. cents at 12:15 p.m. in Wellington from 71.12 cents immediately before today’s report.
Analysts monitor a monthly, seasonally adjusted series to determine the pace of immigration. In May, a net 250 migrants arrived.
Immigration is declining after rising to the highest level in more than five years in January, amid signs that fewer New Zealanders are returning home and expectations that more will head overseas to work or study.
In May, arrivals dropped 13 percent from the year-earlier month while permanent departures rose 24 percent, today’s report showed.
The number of New Zealand residents departing in May surged 21 percent from the year-earlier month. The number of citizens headed to Australia in May climbed 20 percent from a year earlier to 2,536.
Short-term visitor arrivals rose 1 percent in May, seasonally adjusted, from April, today’s report showed. The underlying trend in arrivals is declining, the agency said. Unadjusted arrivals fell 0.4 percent from May last year.
Promotion of New Zealand as a destination for Australian travelers has helped arrivals recover after the global recession cut international air travel last year, reducing tourist visits from Asia and Europe. Tourism makes up about 10 percent of the New Zealand economy.
Total arrivals rose 3 percent in the year ended May 31 from a year earlier as an 11 percent gain in Australian tourists countered a slump in visitors from Asia, which dropped 7.1 percent, today’s report showed. Excluding Australia, visitors declined 2.8 percent.
Source:http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-20/new-zealand-annual-immigration-grows-at-slower-pace-update2-.html
The number of permanent migrant arrivals exceeded departures by 17,967 in the 12 months ended May 31, Statistics New Zealand said today in Wellington. That’s down from 19,954 in the year through April and is the lowest since September.
Finance Minister Bill English last month cut income taxes as the government seeks to encourage more New Zealanders to stay home rather than leave for higher paid jobs overseas. Fewer immigrants, low wages and tight credit are curbing domestic demand, adding to signs the central bank will only raise interest rates gradually this year.
“Although net migration has slowed much faster than anticipated, we expect the annual flow to stabilize at around 10,000, similar to the Reserve Bank’s outlook,” said Jane Turner, an economist at ASB Bank Ltd. in Auckland. “For now, the bank is likely to be comfortable with the subdued net migration and housing outlook.”
Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard increased the official cash rate a quarter-point to 2.75 percent on June 10 after keeping borrowing costs at a record low for 14 months.
Local Currency
The New Zealand dollar bought 71.22 U.S. cents at 12:15 p.m. in Wellington from 71.12 cents immediately before today’s report.
Analysts monitor a monthly, seasonally adjusted series to determine the pace of immigration. In May, a net 250 migrants arrived.
Immigration is declining after rising to the highest level in more than five years in January, amid signs that fewer New Zealanders are returning home and expectations that more will head overseas to work or study.
In May, arrivals dropped 13 percent from the year-earlier month while permanent departures rose 24 percent, today’s report showed.
The number of New Zealand residents departing in May surged 21 percent from the year-earlier month. The number of citizens headed to Australia in May climbed 20 percent from a year earlier to 2,536.
Short-term visitor arrivals rose 1 percent in May, seasonally adjusted, from April, today’s report showed. The underlying trend in arrivals is declining, the agency said. Unadjusted arrivals fell 0.4 percent from May last year.
Promotion of New Zealand as a destination for Australian travelers has helped arrivals recover after the global recession cut international air travel last year, reducing tourist visits from Asia and Europe. Tourism makes up about 10 percent of the New Zealand economy.
Total arrivals rose 3 percent in the year ended May 31 from a year earlier as an 11 percent gain in Australian tourists countered a slump in visitors from Asia, which dropped 7.1 percent, today’s report showed. Excluding Australia, visitors declined 2.8 percent.
Source:http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-20/new-zealand-annual-immigration-grows-at-slower-pace-update2-.html
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