In the media
The best way to attract high-skilled
migrants
Since high-skilled migrants are motivated to move internationally
by myriad factors, the efficacy of nation states' (high skill)
immigration policies remain highly contested. The lack of existing
evidence is largely due to conceptual and methodological flaws and
the paucity of adequate data (09 June 2015).
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Departments hit back at visa rort claims
Government departments have released figures in a submission to an
inquiry into foreign worker visas, trying to dispel claims of
widespread rorting (08 June 2015).
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Court backs government's tough stance on
rorters
A Darwin-based 457 visa sponsor will pay over $152 000 in
restitution to visa holders and the Commonwealth for breaching its
sponsorship obligations, the Federal Court has ruled (05 June
2015).
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Taskforce Cadena commences work
A new dedicated taskforce announced by the Abbott Government to
reinforce existing action to tackle allegations of fraud and worker
exploitation involving temporary visa holders has commenced work
(03 June 2015).
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Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration
renewed
A nine-member panel comprising both new and returning members has
been appointed as the next Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled
Migration (MACSM) (02 June 2015).
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'Operation Cloudburst' detains 22 suspected
illegal workers at Gatton, Queensland
The Federal Government is claiming its first scalps in the
crackdown on the exploitation of foreign workers and visa fraud on
farms, despite not releasing the details of a taskforce to tackle
the issue (29 May 2015).
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Illegal workers targeted nationally
A coordinated national operation to tackle illegal workers, visa
fraud and worker exploitation across Australia has led to the
detention of illegal workers and the gathering of crucial
intelligence. Operation Cloudburst involved 11 operations in all
states – Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New
South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania (28 May 2015).
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New Work and Holiday agreement with Slovak
Republic
Under a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement announced, up
to 200 young people from both countries can now undertake short
term work and study. The work and holiday visa requires applicants
to have the support of their government, hold or be studying
towards tertiary qualifications, and to speak functional English
(27 May 2015).
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Immigration and Human Services crack down on fake
couples
Fake couples who are fraudulently claiming social security
payments, or committing migration fraud, are under the Australian
Government's microscope thanks to a new data-matching
programme. The programme will target welfare recipients who are on
single payments but have declared sponsorship of a partner for
immigration purposes (25 May 2015).
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UK: TUC guidance for migrant workers
The UK's peak union council, the TUC has produced a guide to
assist union workplace representatives working with migrant workers
to help protect their health safety and welfare. Using case studies
and checklists it will be a useful asset in any workplace. With
large numbers of 457 visa workers in many Australian workplaces,
this guide is useful for HSRs here too. Just remember that
references to law are to British saw. More...
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.