Warning to avoid unauthorised departmental website

22-11-2013 –

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) today warned web users to be aware of an unauthorised website posing as an official departmental site.

The website, www.immigovau.co, mimics the current departmental website in appearance and layout, particularly when using certain browsers.

A departmental spokesman said it was a well-camouflaged fake which should be avoided. All Australian Government websites end with the country code gov.au.

“While there is no evidence that the department’s own web presence has been compromised, we advise web users who are looking for information on the department to make sure they visit the department’s official site atwww.immi.gov.au,” the spokesman said. (more…)

Visa protection for convicted NZ bikie

LISA MARTIN AAP NOVEMBER 19, 2013 10:41AM

THE Migration Review Tribunal did not check the criminal record of a New Zealand bikie who was given a special protection visa.

A Senate committee has been told the tribunal decided the 36-year-old Kiwi, who was in a witness protection scheme before flying to Australia in 2005, faced a threat of significant harm in his home country.

He was issued with complementary protection, which covers people who are not refugees as defined by the Refugee Convention but cannot be returned to their home country because of a real risk they will suffer harm.

Tribunal officials were asked to explain the decision during a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Tuesday. (more…)

Victorian Government launches online Overseas Skills Registry

Thursday, 14 November 2013

The Victorian Coalition Government today launched an online service to connect newly arrived skilled migrants and overseas qualified professionals with Victorian employers.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Overseas Skills Registry is an online platform to connect skilled workers with employers seeking staff in occupations currently in demand in Victoria.

“A unique feature of the registry is that all candidates are living in Victoria, are legally permitted to work and either have an Australian skills assessment or Australian qualifications,” Ms Asher said.

“I am confident the Overseas Skills Registry will help skilled migrants and overseas qualified professionals to enter the local workforce, build their careers and contribute to the Victorian economy.” (more…)

New Health Examination Arrangements for Visa Applicants

Monday, 2 December 2013

Arranging a Health Examination

• Health examinations outside Australia
• Health examinations in Australia
• When to arrange your health examination
• What to bring
• What if I don’t have a valid passport?
• What forms will I need?
• Cost of your health examination
• Health examination results

(more…)

Investor migrants $50 million infrastructure boost for NSW

The NSW Government’s efforts to attract more overseas investors through the Significant Investor visa (SIV) have generated a AU$50 million boost to NSW’s economy which will help to meet key infrastructure needs.

Nineteen successful NSW nominated investors have been granted a SIV by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.  The investment from these nominees totals $56.5 million in NSW Waratah bonds and an additional $38.5m in Australian companies.

In total, NSW has nominated 261 potential migrants for the Significant Investor visa. (more…)

DIPB online changes update

DIPB has issued a Discussion Paper on Evaluation of Occupational Ceilings.

People wishing to submit comments to [email protected] should do so by close of business on 16 December 2013

Discussion paper on Evaluation of Occupational Ceilings

DIPB has issued a Discussion Paper on Evaluation of Occupational Ceilings.

People wishing to submit comments to [email protected] should do so by close of business on 16 December 2013