The Abbott government has quietly reopened a visa loophole that will allow employers to hire an unlimited number of foreign workers under a temporary working visa, in a move that unions say will bring back widespread rorting of the system. In the Coalition's bid to...
Calls to keep Accountants on SOL
With the Department of Employment stating that there is no shortage of accountants in Australia and calling for accounting to be taken off the Skilled Occupation List for migrants, peak industry bodies and employers alike warn that the shortage will become apparent as...
Call to add Aged Care Workers to SOL
With the number of people in Australia aged 85 and older projected to quadruple to more than 1.8 million over the next 40 years, Australia's Age Discrimination Commissioner warns that, “We need to recognise and plan for this increased need for health service...
Chinese business visitors set to benefit from multiple entry visas
Chinese business visitors and our tourism sector will benefit from increased flexibility offered by new three-year multiple entry visitor visas, Minister for Trade and Investment the Hon. Andrew Robb and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection the Hon. Scott...
Chinese snap up Australia ‘significant investor’ visas
90% of applicants to Australian residency scheme for 'significant investors' launched just over a year ago are wealthy mainland nationals Nine out of 10 applicants for an Australian immigration scheme aimed at wealthy investors are from the mainland and they have...
What Chinese tourists like (and dislike) about Australia
In a recent report by Tourism Research Australia (TRA), Australia has received a glowing report card from Chinese visitors, with new research showing that 90 per cent are satisfied with their holiday here. Chinese visitors feel safe and secure in Australia, they like...
ATA pleas to make foreign truck drivers eligible for 457 visas to aid severe shortage.
FOREIGN overseas truckies could be recruited to address a critical shortage of local truck drivers. An ageing workforce and a negative image created by high-profile fatal accidents and police crackdowns on dodgy trucking companies is leading to a critical shortage of...
CCIQ to address important Fair Work Act changes on roadshows
One of the most important pieces of legislation for small business operators to be aware of is the Fair Work Act 2009. On January 1 2014, important amendments to the FW Act come into effect, which will have a significant impact on the obligations of business owners in...
Next round of SkillSelect on 7 October 2013
SkillSelect is the online service that enables skilled workers and business people interested in migrating to Australia to record their details to be considered for a skilled visa through an Expression of Interest (EOI). Once an EOI has been submitted you may receive...
Visa fee hikes ‘blatant cash grab’
The cost of most visas rose more than 75 per cent in the May 2013 budget but now prices are set to rise a further 15 per cent in September. The fee hikes were buried in the Treasurer's economic statement made just prior to the up-coming election being called. Visa...
