Dear Visitor

The government of Australia has announced a "suite of reforms" to its immigration detention system. The previous policy of automatically detaining asylum seekers has now ended; the government will now only detain "unlawful non-citizens" who are deemed a security threat.

Detention centers will only be used as a "last resort" and for the "shortest practical time" for people arriving in Australia under unlawful circumstances, according to Immigration Minister Chris Evans. Prior to this change, the rules enacted by the previous government under John Howard required automatic detention, sometimes for years, even when no threat was posed to the Australian community.

Some people will still be subject to detention under the reforms. Unlawful non-citizens who present an unacceptable risk to the community and people who have repeatedly refused to comply with their visa conditions will still be detained. People arriving by boat to areas such as Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef will still be detained and subject to mandatory health, identity, and security checks.

The Australian government has approved AUD $6.45 million for international aid projects to help thousands of people who have fled their home countries due to war, persecution, or political strife. The funding will help fund humanitarian projects for displaced people from Iraq, Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Africa, and Pakistan, according to Immigration Minister Chris Evans.

The funding is provided under the government's Displaced Persons Program for projects administered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Austcare. The money will fund various projects in each country, as well as in Australia. Immigration Minister Chris Evans stated that the Displaced Persons Program underlined Australia's commitment to assisting people in need.

Did you get an HSMP visa before 07 November 2006?

You may be eligible to extend your old HSMP visa under the old rules!

You MUST have received your HSMP approval before 07 November 2006:

• if you applied for an extension and were refused;
• if you need to file an extension (or already have);
• if you have lodged an appeal; OR
• if you switched categories because you could not qualify under the changes

We can help you get your extension under the old rules. Contact us at our London office. You may also email us directly at hsmp@workpermit.com.

United Kingdom employers and educational institutions can now apply for a license to act as a sponsor for migrant workers and foreign students ahead of implementation of Tiers 2, 4 and 5. Sponsorship by an authorized agent is essential for immigrants coming into Britain under these three tiers.

Joining the register of sponsors is mandatory for employers and educational institutions who wish to bring non-European Union/European Economic Area workers and students to Britain under tiers 2, 4, and 5. Tier 2 for skilled workers and Tier 5 for youth mobility workers are expected to go into effect in November of 2008, followed by Tier 4 for students in spring of 2009.

Employers and universtities should register now for a sponsorship license if they wish to bring people into the UK when the new tiers go into effect. The authorities will need to be satisfied that an organization is not a threat to UK immigration controls, and that the organization will comply with its obligations as a sponsor.

ANNOUNCING - Vacancies for Australian & Canadian Immigration Experts

We are looking for immigration consultants experienced in Australian and Canadian immigration. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Migration Team in the workpermit.com Head Office in Central London.

If interested please email worklondon@workpermit.com with a covering letter and CV.

At least 3,000 blank passports and blank visa stickers intended for distribution to British embassies and consulates abroad were stolen in northern England on Monday morning. Thieves hijacked a van transporting the blank documents, with an estimated street value of about 2.5 million GBP.

The Greater Manchester Police are investigating, and the Home Office and Identity and Passport Service (IPS) have taken "preventative action" to guard against forgeries. A government spokesman was quick to characterize the stolen blanks as "useless," but numerous security experts pointed out many possible ways in which the documents could be used to help facilitate illicit activities.

On March 14th of this year the Government of Canada introduced changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with the stated objective of reducing the waiting time for applicants who have skills needed in the Canadian economy. Approved by Parliament on June 18th, the changes give Canada's immigration minister the authority to fast-track certain skilled migration applicants that the federal government determines will benefit Canada.

Immigration Minister Diane Finley is currently holding consultations with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders about the types of occupations of greatest interest. The 'Regional Lists of Occupations under Pressure' shows that health occupations are in shortage throughout all Canadian provinces and territories, with a particular need for Registered Nurses.

Research by Human Resource Social Development Canada (HRSDC) found that the health sector had the largest number of occupations showing signs of shortages at the national level. Shortage occupations in particular demand include physicians, therapy and assessment professionals, head nurses and nurse's aides. Other health occupations, such as registered nursing assistants, audiology technicians, physiotherapy technicians and medical radiation technologists, are also experiencing shortages.

• 3000 blank passports and visas stolen in England

  A security van carrying blank visas and passports was hijacked near Manchester in north England at 6:40 a.m. Monday, 28 July 2008. At least 3,000 blank passports and visa stickers in 24 brown cardboard boxes - intended for distribution to embassies and consulates abroad - were stolen. more  »

• Canada: Health care workers may benefit from immigration changes

  On 14 March 2008, the Government of Canada introduced changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with the objective of reducing the waiting time for applicants who have the skills Canada needs. more  »

• Australia eases detention rules for asylum seekers

  The government of Australia has announced a "suite of reforms" to its immigration detention system, revoking an unpopular policy of automatic detention for asylum seekers but reserving the right to detain migrants who are deemed a "security threat" upon preliminary evaluation. more  »

• UK: Immigration sponsorship open to employers and universities

  Joining the register of sponsors is mandatory for employers and educational institutions who wish to bring non-European Union/European Economic Area workers and students to Britain under tiers 2, 4, and 5 when these immigration schemes are eventually implemented. more  »

• Australia funds international humanitarian aid projects

  The Australian government has approved AUD $6.45 million for international aid projects to help thousands of people who have fled their home countries due to war, persecution, or political strife. more  »

• Canada: Saskatchewan improves foreign credential recognition

  Many employers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan are struggling to find personnel qualified in mechanical trades-related occupations. However, the available pool of workers should increase due to a new test project that will make it easier for immigrants in Saskatchewan to have their foreign credentials recognized. more  »

• Australia reducing labor shortages through skilled immigration

  New data released by immigration authorities in Australia show a 27 percent increase in its temporary skilled migration program for 2007-08 financial year. more  »

• Minister says Australia needs unskilled overseas labor

  Australia may need to let in more unskilled foreign labor to meet critical shortages in some industries, according to Immigration Minister Chris Evans. more  »

• Germany approves plan to make skilled immigration easier

  Germany is expected to ease rules to allow in foreign labor to help make the country more attractive to highly skilled individuals. more  »