The State Government wants Canberra to relax several key immigration rules to help WA fill an expected shortage of up to 200,000 skilled workers over the next 10 years.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier has urged Federal Immigration Minister Chris Bowen to reclassify Perth as a regional area for immigration so WA could better access skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas.
Reclassification of Perth would allow city employers to access the Federal regional sponsored migration scheme, a program aimed at assisting the economic development of regional towns by attracting migrants to fill jobs where local workers are not available.
Mr Collier lobbied for a big expansion of the occupations that can be filled by workers on temporary 457 visas.
Occupations identified as a priority for WA that are not on the 457 visa list include teachers' aides, childcare workers, hospital orderlies, bar attendants, waiters, bookkeepers, earthmoving plant and excavator operators and bus, taxi and train drivers.
Mr Collier also wants the minimum English language test for 457 workers lowered to its previous level after advice from industry that many skilled workers from non-English countries were unnecessarily disqualified.
Mr Collier's appeal was couched in the context of an estimated $225 billion of resources and infrastructure projects under way or in the pipeline and Government and private forecasts that put the number of skilled workers needed at between 150,000 and 210,000 between 2017 and 2020.
He was optimistic that the Federal Government would adopt many or all of the changes, saying Mr Bowen appeared to understand the size of the challenge WA faced, which was unique in Australia. "I need to emphasise that our first priority is that all West Australians who want to work are in work," Mr Collier said.
"But we are very conservatively looking down the barrel of being up to 150,000 workers short by 2017."
Among other changes, he is seeking the relaxation of rules concerning working holidays, student visas, English language and the points test in the skilled migration program.
Mr Collier also wants the threshold value for major projects eligible for so-called enterprise migration agreements to be lowered.
Source:http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9016847/state-pushes-for-more-skilled-migrants/
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Australian gov't moves to change student visa program amid downturn
SYDNEY, March 14(Xinhua)-- Amid falling numbers of international students and a turbulent past two years for the international education sector, the Australian government was urged to reform its international student visa program to curb the downturn of overseas students.
Indrajeet Chauhan, the international students' officer of the peak body representing Australia's university students -- the National Union of Students -- said on Monday it was time the federal government took some actions to reverse the trend of the fall of international students.
He blamed the frequent and unclear changes in immigration policies and tough permanent residency requirements for the reduction of the foreign students in Australia.
International students in Australia about to finish their studies and apply for permanent residency are often confused and dismayed due to the changeable immigration policies, he told Xinhua in an interview.
He said the foreign students who did not get permanent residency or whose applications have been delayed are considering or have already left Australia.
This experience has been shared through word-of-mouth in the home countries of these students, which has resulted in lower numbers of international students coming to Australia, he said.
International student visa applications dropped 18.9 percent between the 2008-09 and 2009-10 program years, according to official figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In the six months to 31 December 2010, there were 129, 632 international student visa applications received, compared with 152,393 applications lodged in the corresponding period in 2009-10.
Glenn Withers, the Chief Executive Officer of the peak body representing Australia's universities, Universities Australia, echoed the view of Chauhan by saying the problems were largely of the government's own making.
Withers stressed the Immigration Department should not be scared of people being able to migrate to Australia and changing rules to prevent it.
"People have a right to the same rules for the entire duration of their study. Changing the rules midway is not Australian, it's just not fair. Change the rules for new applicants. For your basic original commitment for which your visa was awarded, it is only right to have the same conditions throughout the period of study for which the visa was awarded," he said.
Facing pressure from both foreign students and domestic educational institutions, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has promised to take actions to end potential abuse of student pathways leading to permanent residency in Australia.
"The government remains committed to recent reforms to improve the integrity of the student visa program and sharpen the focus of the skilled migration program on high value occupations," a spokesman from the department said the other day.
"The government agrees that it is now time to take a fundamental, whole-of-government look at the student visa program, " he said.
The government has appointed former Sydney Olympics Minister Michael Knight to undertake a review of the student visa program and make recommendations, he added, which is expected to be welcome by many overseas students who hope to apply for the permanent residence after completing their study in Australia.
There are more than 400,000 international students in Australia currently, generating about 18 billion U.S. dollars to the nation.
Indrajeet Chauhan, the international students' officer of the peak body representing Australia's university students -- the National Union of Students -- said on Monday it was time the federal government took some actions to reverse the trend of the fall of international students.
He blamed the frequent and unclear changes in immigration policies and tough permanent residency requirements for the reduction of the foreign students in Australia.
International students in Australia about to finish their studies and apply for permanent residency are often confused and dismayed due to the changeable immigration policies, he told Xinhua in an interview.
He said the foreign students who did not get permanent residency or whose applications have been delayed are considering or have already left Australia.
This experience has been shared through word-of-mouth in the home countries of these students, which has resulted in lower numbers of international students coming to Australia, he said.
International student visa applications dropped 18.9 percent between the 2008-09 and 2009-10 program years, according to official figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In the six months to 31 December 2010, there were 129, 632 international student visa applications received, compared with 152,393 applications lodged in the corresponding period in 2009-10.
Glenn Withers, the Chief Executive Officer of the peak body representing Australia's universities, Universities Australia, echoed the view of Chauhan by saying the problems were largely of the government's own making.
Withers stressed the Immigration Department should not be scared of people being able to migrate to Australia and changing rules to prevent it.
"People have a right to the same rules for the entire duration of their study. Changing the rules midway is not Australian, it's just not fair. Change the rules for new applicants. For your basic original commitment for which your visa was awarded, it is only right to have the same conditions throughout the period of study for which the visa was awarded," he said.
Facing pressure from both foreign students and domestic educational institutions, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has promised to take actions to end potential abuse of student pathways leading to permanent residency in Australia.
"The government remains committed to recent reforms to improve the integrity of the student visa program and sharpen the focus of the skilled migration program on high value occupations," a spokesman from the department said the other day.
"The government agrees that it is now time to take a fundamental, whole-of-government look at the student visa program, " he said.
The government has appointed former Sydney Olympics Minister Michael Knight to undertake a review of the student visa program and make recommendations, he added, which is expected to be welcome by many overseas students who hope to apply for the permanent residence after completing their study in Australia.
There are more than 400,000 international students in Australia currently, generating about 18 billion U.S. dollars to the nation.
Plan unveiled to address labour shortages
AAP
Skilled workers will be able to fast-track to full trade qualifications in as little as 18 months under a government plan to address the growing workforce crisis in the resources sector.
Skills Minister Chris Evans said the government would also provide $200 million for training projects for skills in high demand.
The government has accepted all 31 recommendations of the Resourcing the Future report, which outlines a blueprint for lifting the number of skilled workers available to the resources sector.
"Existing resource sector employees and workers from across Australia will be recruited and on and off-the-job training provided so companies will benefit immediately from a boost to their workforces."
Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said this was an important first step in addressing skills and labour shortages in the resources sector.
He said it would also help alleviate flow-on pressures on other industries.
"We estimate the fund will help train 39,000 skilled workers over four years and target areas of critical need for the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors."
The ongoing skills' shortfall was highlighted by a new study, which cited growing business optimism, tempered by concerns that workforce shortages might provide a stumbling block to growth.
"Forty-five per cent of Australian privately-held businesses perceive the lack of available skilled staff as a constraint to business expansion. These concerns have grown 14 per cent in the last year," the latest International Business Report said.
ACTU President Ged Kearney said any plan to ease labour shortages must be matched by investment in skills' training by employers.
She saidover-reliance on skilled migration had in part led to a labour shortage in the resources sector.
"Right now, the resources sector takes a short-term, short-sighted approach, overusing the 457 visa and offering high wages to poach from other sectors - effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul," she said in a statement.
Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said improving training and apprenticeships wouldn't be enough, with immigration still vital.
"Immigration programs are essential to delivering skilled workers when and where we need them," she said in a statement.
President of the Australian Constructors Association Peter Brecht said the nation needed to maximise job participation by Australians.
"In particular draw on those sectors of the workforce that have been under-utilised including women, indigenous people and the long-term unemployed," he said in a statement."
Skilled workers will be able to fast-track to full trade qualifications in as little as 18 months under a government plan to address the growing workforce crisis in the resources sector.
Skills Minister Chris Evans said the government would also provide $200 million for training projects for skills in high demand.
The government has accepted all 31 recommendations of the Resourcing the Future report, which outlines a blueprint for lifting the number of skilled workers available to the resources sector.
Advertisement: Story continues below
"Under the adult apprenticeship project, experienced workers will have their existing skills recognised and be given the opportunity to complete the competencies required to get a full trade qualification in just 18 months," Senator Evans said in a statement."Existing resource sector employees and workers from across Australia will be recruited and on and off-the-job training provided so companies will benefit immediately from a boost to their workforces."
Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said this was an important first step in addressing skills and labour shortages in the resources sector.
He said it would also help alleviate flow-on pressures on other industries.
"We estimate the fund will help train 39,000 skilled workers over four years and target areas of critical need for the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors."
The ongoing skills' shortfall was highlighted by a new study, which cited growing business optimism, tempered by concerns that workforce shortages might provide a stumbling block to growth.
"Forty-five per cent of Australian privately-held businesses perceive the lack of available skilled staff as a constraint to business expansion. These concerns have grown 14 per cent in the last year," the latest International Business Report said.
ACTU President Ged Kearney said any plan to ease labour shortages must be matched by investment in skills' training by employers.
She saidover-reliance on skilled migration had in part led to a labour shortage in the resources sector.
"Right now, the resources sector takes a short-term, short-sighted approach, overusing the 457 visa and offering high wages to poach from other sectors - effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul," she said in a statement.
Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said improving training and apprenticeships wouldn't be enough, with immigration still vital.
"Immigration programs are essential to delivering skilled workers when and where we need them," she said in a statement.
President of the Australian Constructors Association Peter Brecht said the nation needed to maximise job participation by Australians.
"In particular draw on those sectors of the workforce that have been under-utilised including women, indigenous people and the long-term unemployed," he said in a statement."
Monday, March 7, 2011
The NSW State Migration Plan has been implemented from 3 March 2011.
The plan includes a cap on the number of skilled migrants that can be sponsored by Industry & Investment NSW each year from the agreed NSW State Sponsorship Eligibility Lists. This limit is set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The NSW State Migration Plan includes 138 occupations. There are 18 occupations included on the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List (Schedule 3).
Eight of these occupations are now open for new sponsorships by NSW under the Skilled Regional Sponsored or Skilled Sponsored visa programs.
There are six new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Regional Sponsored 475/487 visa. They are:
* Chef
* Baker
* Fitter (General)
* Metal Machinist (1st Class)
* Toolmaker
* Cabinet Maker
For details on NSW regions sponsoring these occupations go to the skilled regional migration page.
There are two new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa. They are:
* Insurance Broker
* Solicitor
NSW has also added the occupation of Ships Engineer from DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List to the list of occupations sponsored for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa. For details on NSW requirements for sponsorship in these occupations go to the skilled sponsored migration page of the Industry & Investment NSW web site.
There are ten occupations included in the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on the new Skilled Occupation List that are temporarily closed to new sponsorships. This is because there are already sufficient applications to be processed by DIAC in the next few months. Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will receive Level 2 priority processing:
* Financial Investment Adviser
* Life Scientist
* Biochemist
* Pastrycook
* Production Manager (Manufacturing)
* Vocational Education Teacher
* Corporate General Manager
* Medical Administrator
* Pharmacist Hospital
* Pharmacist Retail
The remaining 120 occupations that are on the NSW State Migration and that are on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List are listed on the skilled sponsored and skilled regional sponsored pages of this web site. Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will also receive Level 2 priority processing.
The occupations sponsored by NSW may be subject to change during the year depending on application rates and changes in the employment market.
A new State Migration Plan is expected to apply from 1 July 2011
The NSW State Migration Plan includes 138 occupations. There are 18 occupations included on the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List (Schedule 3).
Eight of these occupations are now open for new sponsorships by NSW under the Skilled Regional Sponsored or Skilled Sponsored visa programs.
There are six new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Regional Sponsored 475/487 visa. They are:
* Chef
* Baker
* Fitter (General)
* Metal Machinist (1st Class)
* Toolmaker
* Cabinet Maker
For details on NSW regions sponsoring these occupations go to the skilled regional migration page.
There are two new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa. They are:
* Insurance Broker
* Solicitor
NSW has also added the occupation of Ships Engineer from DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List to the list of occupations sponsored for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa. For details on NSW requirements for sponsorship in these occupations go to the skilled sponsored migration page of the Industry & Investment NSW web site.
There are ten occupations included in the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on the new Skilled Occupation List that are temporarily closed to new sponsorships. This is because there are already sufficient applications to be processed by DIAC in the next few months. Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will receive Level 2 priority processing:
* Financial Investment Adviser
* Life Scientist
* Biochemist
* Pastrycook
* Production Manager (Manufacturing)
* Vocational Education Teacher
* Corporate General Manager
* Medical Administrator
* Pharmacist Hospital
* Pharmacist Retail
The remaining 120 occupations that are on the NSW State Migration and that are on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List are listed on the skilled sponsored and skilled regional sponsored pages of this web site. Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will also receive Level 2 priority processing.
The occupations sponsored by NSW may be subject to change during the year depending on application rates and changes in the employment market.
A new State Migration Plan is expected to apply from 1 July 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Reviewing dual citizenship
The decision to review the practice of allowing dual citizenship would have been based on considerations of national interest that are broader than economic considerations. There is conceivably a political rationale and security considerations behind such a decision. The conditions on which dual citizenship is given may also have been reviewed in order that the economic advantage to the country is enhanced. In fact, financial advantages to the country should be a foremost criterion.
Although, at first, it was thought to be discontinuance of dual citizenship rights, it has been made clear that the intent is to review the conditions for granting such dual citizenship. The granting of dual citizenship has not been discontinued though the conditions are likely to be changed. The review of the conditions for granting dual citizenship is indeed a good move. Whatever the new conditions would be for grant of dual citizenship, the decision has economic implications that are the focus of this discussion. The rationale for granting dual citizenship should be primarily the national interest of which economic factors would be an aspect. No doubt, economic considerations discussed here would be taken into consideration in the decision making, and formulation of the conditions for granting dual citizenship.
Rationale for review
We are not privy to the reasons for the government decision to review the conditions for granting dual citizenship. However, it appears to follow the pattern of certain decisions taken with respect to immigration and emigration recently. This includes the discontinuance of the visa on arrival facility except for citizens of those countries that do not require our citizens to get visas to enter their countries.
Unfortunately, there are only two or three countries that permit Sri Lankans to enter their territories without a visa. Therefore, this decision is based on the criterion of reciprocity of visa granting that is a principle and practice in a number of countries, including India. Some South American countries too follow the principle of reciprocity in the grant of visa.
Many countries do not permit dual citizenship. Again, India is one such country that does not permit dual citizenry. However, the trend in the last few decades has been for more countries to permit dual citizenship. Whether there has been any country that permitted dual citizenship being withdrawn is not certain. Generally such decisions are not revoked.
There is a hint that the dual citizenship granted to some may be reviewed and withdrawn if some conditions have not been met. These include those who have merely used it to circumvent tax measures. From an individual’s point of view, the withdrawal of a right they enjoyed may be interpreted as contrary to natural justice, as individuals would have made decisions on the basis of continuing as dual citizens and enjoying the rights of being a citizen in both countries. Therefore, the revoking of dual citizenship currently enjoyed must be revoked only in exceptional cases.
A significant related issue is while ordinary citizens may be allowed civic rights in Sri Lanka while holding citizenship in another country, an important question is whether dual citizens should hold high public office, be members of parliament and other legislative bodies and also be appointed to represent the country abroad. This is indeed a controversial issue that is unlikely to be viewed objectively. A clear policy statement on this would be a good move.
Economic implications
There are a large number of persons who have been granted dual citizenship and it appears that there are thousands whose applications for dual citizenship are pending. An early return to the granting of dual citizenship on new criteria would be of economic advantage to the country. A delay in decision making could result in good candidates for dual citizenship opting out.
Dual citizens have brought in a significant amount of money into the country. The country has not only earned the fees for granting of dual citizenship but foreign citizens have brought in money for the purchase of property, investment and for their living in the country. The amounts for investment and living expenses have been increasing progressively.
This is so for several reasons. The Sri Lankan diaspora are ageing and many find returning to the country a better economic proposition and a more comfortable mode of living. The lower costs of living, availability of domestic help and more congenial weather conditions are some of the reasons for the demand for Sri Lankan dual citizenship. In some cases it is not only the funds brought in initially for purchase of property but regular living expenses as well.
Some Sri Lankans like to spend their latter years in two or sometimes in more than two countries owing to their families being scattered in several countries. Such persons want to have the facility of easy travel by possessing dual citizenship as Sri Lankan passports require visas to enter most countries. If these categories of persons are denied dual citizenship, they would probably opt to live abroad.
A third category spends less than a few months in Sri Lanka but visit the country at least once a year. They too own property and bring in money for their living expense in the country. Many apartments in Colombo are owned by such persons and any set back to the grant of dual citizenship may have an adverse effect on the property market.
All these categories are a benefit to the economy. Remittances from Sri Lankans abroad are a huge source of foreign earnings. Although it is generally thought that remittances are from workers in the Middle East, a sizable amount of remittances are from professional expats from abroad. Dual citizenship is one reason for higher remittances among some categories of foreigners.
While 60 per cent of total remittances are from migrant workers from the Middle East, a significant amount of remittances are from North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. There has been an increasing inflow of remittances from Sri Lankans from European countries and North America and in 2009 remittances from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand were about 28 percent of total remittance earnings. This implies that there are significant amounts of remittances from professionals as well. These remittances are for the upkeep of family members, purchase of land and apartments and other investments. Some part of these remittances could be from dual citizens.
Economic criteria
Economic considerations should be built into the conditions for granting dual citizenship. Income of applicants, the properties they own or are likely to purchase, professional contributions they may make, the finances they bring and investments they make in the country should be criteria for granting citizenship. An objective of dual citizenship should be to maximise inward remittances. It is, therefore, important to make the conditions clear and transparent. The new conditions should be announced soon and the granting of dual citizenship should commence quickly. However, the economic implications discussed here are among the many issues that should be considered for the granting of dual citizenship.
Source:http://www.nation.lk/2011/03/06/newsfe4.htm
Although, at first, it was thought to be discontinuance of dual citizenship rights, it has been made clear that the intent is to review the conditions for granting such dual citizenship. The granting of dual citizenship has not been discontinued though the conditions are likely to be changed. The review of the conditions for granting dual citizenship is indeed a good move. Whatever the new conditions would be for grant of dual citizenship, the decision has economic implications that are the focus of this discussion. The rationale for granting dual citizenship should be primarily the national interest of which economic factors would be an aspect. No doubt, economic considerations discussed here would be taken into consideration in the decision making, and formulation of the conditions for granting dual citizenship.
Rationale for review
We are not privy to the reasons for the government decision to review the conditions for granting dual citizenship. However, it appears to follow the pattern of certain decisions taken with respect to immigration and emigration recently. This includes the discontinuance of the visa on arrival facility except for citizens of those countries that do not require our citizens to get visas to enter their countries.
Unfortunately, there are only two or three countries that permit Sri Lankans to enter their territories without a visa. Therefore, this decision is based on the criterion of reciprocity of visa granting that is a principle and practice in a number of countries, including India. Some South American countries too follow the principle of reciprocity in the grant of visa.
Many countries do not permit dual citizenship. Again, India is one such country that does not permit dual citizenry. However, the trend in the last few decades has been for more countries to permit dual citizenship. Whether there has been any country that permitted dual citizenship being withdrawn is not certain. Generally such decisions are not revoked.
There is a hint that the dual citizenship granted to some may be reviewed and withdrawn if some conditions have not been met. These include those who have merely used it to circumvent tax measures. From an individual’s point of view, the withdrawal of a right they enjoyed may be interpreted as contrary to natural justice, as individuals would have made decisions on the basis of continuing as dual citizens and enjoying the rights of being a citizen in both countries. Therefore, the revoking of dual citizenship currently enjoyed must be revoked only in exceptional cases.
A significant related issue is while ordinary citizens may be allowed civic rights in Sri Lanka while holding citizenship in another country, an important question is whether dual citizens should hold high public office, be members of parliament and other legislative bodies and also be appointed to represent the country abroad. This is indeed a controversial issue that is unlikely to be viewed objectively. A clear policy statement on this would be a good move.
Economic implications
There are a large number of persons who have been granted dual citizenship and it appears that there are thousands whose applications for dual citizenship are pending. An early return to the granting of dual citizenship on new criteria would be of economic advantage to the country. A delay in decision making could result in good candidates for dual citizenship opting out.
Dual citizens have brought in a significant amount of money into the country. The country has not only earned the fees for granting of dual citizenship but foreign citizens have brought in money for the purchase of property, investment and for their living in the country. The amounts for investment and living expenses have been increasing progressively.
This is so for several reasons. The Sri Lankan diaspora are ageing and many find returning to the country a better economic proposition and a more comfortable mode of living. The lower costs of living, availability of domestic help and more congenial weather conditions are some of the reasons for the demand for Sri Lankan dual citizenship. In some cases it is not only the funds brought in initially for purchase of property but regular living expenses as well.
Some Sri Lankans like to spend their latter years in two or sometimes in more than two countries owing to their families being scattered in several countries. Such persons want to have the facility of easy travel by possessing dual citizenship as Sri Lankan passports require visas to enter most countries. If these categories of persons are denied dual citizenship, they would probably opt to live abroad.
A third category spends less than a few months in Sri Lanka but visit the country at least once a year. They too own property and bring in money for their living expense in the country. Many apartments in Colombo are owned by such persons and any set back to the grant of dual citizenship may have an adverse effect on the property market.
All these categories are a benefit to the economy. Remittances from Sri Lankans abroad are a huge source of foreign earnings. Although it is generally thought that remittances are from workers in the Middle East, a sizable amount of remittances are from professional expats from abroad. Dual citizenship is one reason for higher remittances among some categories of foreigners.
While 60 per cent of total remittances are from migrant workers from the Middle East, a significant amount of remittances are from North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. There has been an increasing inflow of remittances from Sri Lankans from European countries and North America and in 2009 remittances from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand were about 28 percent of total remittance earnings. This implies that there are significant amounts of remittances from professionals as well. These remittances are for the upkeep of family members, purchase of land and apartments and other investments. Some part of these remittances could be from dual citizens.
Economic criteria
Economic considerations should be built into the conditions for granting dual citizenship. Income of applicants, the properties they own or are likely to purchase, professional contributions they may make, the finances they bring and investments they make in the country should be criteria for granting citizenship. An objective of dual citizenship should be to maximise inward remittances. It is, therefore, important to make the conditions clear and transparent. The new conditions should be announced soon and the granting of dual citizenship should commence quickly. However, the economic implications discussed here are among the many issues that should be considered for the granting of dual citizenship.
Source:http://www.nation.lk/2011/03/06/newsfe4.htm
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