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So I’ve just been reading a story on the ABC website about a young Indian reporter who was attacked after going undercover to reveal migration and education scams

The woman, who was reporting under cover for Australia’s ‘Four Corners’ program at the time, was subjected to threats during the making of the program and was attacked over the weekend. Police have been notified.

Whilst filming for the program, the reporter went to two different migration agents posing as someone wanting to pass an English Language Test (IELTS) without having the skills. To assist here in her attempts to pass the exam she said she was willing to buy a fake work certificate. She was able to do both if she paid between $3,000 and $5,000.

Some Indian students, principally in Melbourne and Sydney, have been subjected to violent attacks which have tainted Australia’s reputation as an education provider. The actions of those responsible could never be justified but having said that, something positive may well come out of this after all. Continue Reading

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During a recent visit to India, Australian Minister of Immigration & Citizenship, Chris Evans told press that Australian Immigration law is changing with a stronger focus on skilled workers.

Evans said in New Delhi, “We are reviewing the policy on migrants. Our government will adjust the policy based on the needs of the country and not be driven by the education choices of overseas students”.

Senator Evans is in New Delhi to advise the Indian government on steps that Australia is taking to ensure the safety of Indian students who choose to study in Australia.

Thousands of Indian students move to Australia each year, taking admission in vocational courses like cookery and hairdressing in Australian institutions to get permanent residency. Continue Reading

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Thousands of students enrolled in vocational courses like cookery and hairdressing, which till now allowed a “fast track” to permanent residency, will have to sit for a test requiring “competent” English language skills while applying to live and work in Australia.

“Trades people applying to live and work in Australia permanently from the first of July will require increased English language skills,” according to new immigration policy changes issued by the Australian Immigration Department.

The change will mean that people applying for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas overseas will have to pass a test showing they have competent English. In the past, the pass mark was based on vocational English, a lower standard. Continue Reading

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It’s been a while since I’ve complained about the weather and as I’m an Englishman wishing to retain at least a small portion of my Englishness I thought today was as good a day as any.

Back in the UK, the English summer is in full swing. From what I’ve heard from the friends and family back in the UK; it’s been a pretty good one to with UK residents receiving more than two whole days of sunshine!

Season wise Australia is exactly six months in front of the UK so here in Australia, Winter is in full swing.

This will be the third winter we’ve experienced since being down under and I don’t know if it’s simply because we’re becoming acclimatised to the weather (or I may be just going soft) but this feels like some of the coldest winter weather I’ve experienced since moving to Australia. Continue Reading

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Hey all. Not much to write about in the world of Australian immigration so I thought I’d write a little entry just to say hi.

I have a number of Google news alerts set up under various Australian Immigration categories on the basis that if anything happens then I’ll get to know about it quite quickly. Having said that, there doesn’t appear to be much of interest  happening right now.  

If you’re trying to enter Australia illegally then there are plenty of stories in the news about how NOT to do it.

Boat people (i.e. Folks trying to migrate illegally to  Australia on small boats) seem to be making headlines over here in Australia on almost a daily basis.

It seems the Aussie immigration folks are paying very close attention to Australian shores after a number of high profile incidents where boat after boat full of illegal immigrants were  turning up on Aussie soil, apparently unchallenged! Continue Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions – Attestation

On 1 April 2009, the Minster for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans announced a requirement for sponsors to attest in writing that they have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to employing local labour  and non-discriminatory employment practices.

What the heck is an attestation?

Attestation is the  witnessing of the execution by the method that is appropriate to the situation.

Attestation of a document is certification that the document has been executed correctly and is signed by the witness or witnesses to the execution. Continue Reading

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