There has been an unannounced change of policy in PAM3 since 15 May 2013:
Schedule 2 of Subclass 187 states [187.234(c)] that [if an applicant has an Australian qualification]:
“the applicant had the qualifications listed in ANZSCO as being necessary to perform the tasks of the occupation.”
Media release by Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship:
Tuesday, 04 June 2013
Data released today show the number of overseas workers coming to Australia on 457 visas has jumped more than 20 per cent over the past year.
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Brendan O’Connor said the significant growth in the program highlighted the need for further reform. (more…)
From Immigration SA:
The South Australian Government would like to increase economic development by attracting more skilled and business migrants to the state.
We’ve been listening to your feedback and as a result we are reviewing state-based application criteria and evidence to improve eligibility for potential migrants and South Australian employers. (more…)
Former Chinatown-based migration agent committed for trial
From the DIAC newsroom
04-06-2013 –
A former registered migration agent based in Sydney’s Chinatown, Xiao Ying Wu (Amy Wu), has been committed to a two-week trial commencing on September 23.
The trial will be the culmination of a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) investigation that alleges Wu committed multiple fraud offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code and the NSW Crimes Act involving deception and the use of false documents. (more…)
Fawad Ahmed on Ashes fast-track alert as Parliament moves for citizenship law changes
Law changes could see Fawad Ahmed apply for an Australian passport in time to make the Ashes tour to England.Getty Images: Morne de Klerk
(more…)
By Catherine Clifford
The CFMEU has lodged unfair dismissal claims on behalf of 11 workers retrenched at Boggabri Coal, claiming workers with 457 visas were retained when more than 100 local workers lost their jobs.
The 457 visa is issued for skilled workers from overseas who have been sponsored to work in Australia on a temporary basis.
In May, Downer-EDI advised it would retrench 106 workers, a third of the Boggabri workforce, citing a reduction in production targets.
(more…)
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will change from 1 July 2013, with five occupations to be removed. The SOL determines which occupations are eligible for independent and family sponsored skilled migration.
The updated SOL is based on expert advice from the Australian Workforce Productivity Agency (previously known as Skills Australia). The list of occupations reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to a skilled migration program that delivers skills in need in Australia. The SOL will continue to deliver a skilled migration program focused on high value skills that will help to address Australia’s future skill needs. (more…)
by Brad Crouch, adelaidenow:
Rob Pitt with his pregnant Russian girlfriend Natasha Zaydenberg at home in Paradise. She faces going home alone next month after immigration. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe Source: News Limited
AN Adelaide man is fighting to keep his pregnant Russian girlfriend in Australia but immigration officials have rejected her pregnancy as a reason for a visa extension. (more…)