We are Back!

No reason why we claim to be:
“Australian Immigration Specialist”

Angad Info is among the 1st consultants in the region to get 475 visas after 23rd Sept’09 priority changes.

2 Visas (475 – State Regional Sponsored) GRANTED on 8th Dec’09.

1)    Sameer Sharma – Pathankot
2)    Mandeep Kaur Gill – Moga

Congratulations!

DIAC MESSAGE:

The Department is processing applications according to Ministerial
Direction No. 42 – Order of consideration – certain Skilled Migration
Visas.  The Department anticipates that a small number of State sponsored
Non-CSL applications will be finalised this program year.

Processing will focus on applications where health and character checks
have been requested by the case officer.

ANGAD INFO UPDATE:

• 150 plus 475 – State Regional Sponsored visas expected till June’10.
• Clients whose Medicals and PCC has not been requested by case officer, we will keep you updated.

BE PATIENT. Keep a check on our Blog. WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

Aussie Aussie Aussie- Oye Oye Oye!

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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THE AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR MIGRATION HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A FURTHER 3,000 NON-CRITICAL SKILLS LIST (CSL) GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION VISA APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRIORITY PROCESSED TO FINALISATION.

UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE FOLLOWING HIS UNPOPULAR SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, MR. EVANS HAS OBVIOUSLY RECONSIDERED CERTAIN ELEMENTS OF THE CHANGES IMPOSED. TO KNOW WHETHER YOU ARE CLASSIFIED AS ONE OF THE LUCKY 3,000, YOU MUST:

• HAVE BEEN GRANTED STATE SPONSORSHIP AND

• HAVE BEEN FORMALLY REQUESTED BY A DIAC CASE OFFICER TO COMPLETE YOUR MEDICALS AND POLICE CLEARANCES
• BASICALLY, THESE VISAS ARE FOR THOSE IN THE CATEGORY 5 GROUP – APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOMINATED BY A STATE OR TERRITORY GOVERNMENT AND WHOSE OCCUPATIONS ARE NOT ON THE CRITICAL SKILLS LIST (CSL).

STATEMENT FROM DIAC:

“THE DEPARTMENT ANTICIPATES THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF STATE SPONSORED NON-CSL APPLICATIONS WILL BE FINALISED THIS PROGRAM YEAR (30TH JUNE 2010). FINALISATIONS WILL FOCUS ON APPLICATIONS WHERE HEALTH AND CHARACTER CHECKS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED BY THE CASE OFFICER.”

WWW.ANGADINFO.COM HAD ALSO SIGNED 2 ONLINE PETITION ON BEHALF OF ALL HIS CLIENTS AND ON BEHALF OF THE CONSULTANCY.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE “MINISTERIAL DIRECTION NO: 42 – ORDER OF CONSIDERATION IS NOT YET AVAILABLE AT DIAC SITE.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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Poms in OZ a very prominent forum met with David Wilden, Minister- Counsellor for Immigration of the Australian High commission, London and clarified their fear and doubts of 23rd Sept’09 DIAC changes.

State Sponsored applicants cases were asked to wait till end of 2012 for visa to be finalized. Poms in Australia had organized a protest outside Australian High Commission, London.

EXTRACT FROM THE MEETING:

• Mr.Wilden told category 1-4 under control.
• Around 3500 applicants (applications not number of people in applications) not on CSL had received State Sponsorship.
• These case files were now beginning to be processed. (No distinctions between Visa Subclass, all state sponsored applications will be processed under this criteria)
• These case files will be processed on first come first serve basis.
• It is believed that State Sponsorship applicants won’t have to wait till end of 2012 as earlier informed. Although this is very stage of the development. We will keep you posted as we hear from ASPC or DIAC.
• DIAC has not told how long the processing will take, as applicants which come under CSL will still be given priority processing.
• Mr Wilden stated he cannot comment how long it will take to clear backlog of 3500 Cat 5 applicants.
• This news although does not clarify all the doubts about state sponsorship cases, but at least some light at the end of the tunnel.
• DIAC is planning to come with future skills list later this month.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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Hong Kong is the heart of Asia. In terms of the general Hong Kong work environment, Hong Kong is regarded as the gateway into the China market and has the advantages of business transparency and rule of law. Much China business is contracted in Hong Kong, whilst fulfilment is largely taken place within the Asian region. This is evident as with many multi-national and local companies having their head office in Hong Kong with the manufacturing and back-office functions located over the border. The multi-nationals, particularly the investment banks continue to bring over a lot of foreign nationals, although those numbers are dwindling due to a number of factors including “the changing job market, poor air quality, expensive accommodation, and the lack of international school places”. Out of a Hong Kong total population of around 7 million, about 26550 were estimated to be from the US, 18590 from Canada, 14590 from Australia and 11420 from the UK in 2006. These figures are only an estimate based on Immigration net arrivals and departures and they don’t account for others who are now holding permanent residency to the place.
Although English is usually spoken, most local staff will communicate with each other in Cantonese and there will be some cultural sensitivity to be mindful of. Examples are the giving and receiving of business cards with both hands and paying for staff when entertaining socially. Unlike in the West, the bill is not divided and the boss always pays. Since a while now Indian nationals are immigrating to Hong Kong on various work visas, business visas and for internships and study programmes. Hong kong is a preferred destination for many who wish to enjoy a good lifestyle with comforts of the world.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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As the reports of Indian students being bashed up in Australia have been making news on various TV channels and print media since quite a while, now an important step had been taken to ensure that the two countries- Australia India- builds a partnership in trading and education sector. In an important step for the Australian-Indian relationship, the two countries have outlined a major expansion of the Australia trade network in India. Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean made the announcement last week saying that the Australian Government has been determined to significantly build the relationship with India, a country which is important to Australian immigration and trade. The information of the trade relationship is good news for many Indians who have been impatiently waiting to hear positive news about pathway immigration to Australia.
Australia now seems to have measured up against all the allegations made by people wishing to immigrate to the country and against the unfair practices the country exercise.  Currently, Indian nationals studying in Australia with an Australian Student Visa make up the second-largest group on international students in Australia’s multi-million dollar overseas education industry. Many Indians who complete their studies in Australia take up an Australian permanent residence after graduating. This is also an option that the Australian Government provides to foreign students to retain skilled workers. As it is also notable from figures obtained in 2008-2009, India was Australia’s fastest growing major two-way trading partner with total trade between the two nations jumping 55 per cent to $21.7 billion Australian dollars. Addressing the issue Mr. Crean said, “For the past two years this Government has been building and strengthening links with India and my first trip as Trade Minister featured a visit to the sub-continent. Expanding economic links are a vital component in giving effect to the shared commitment to building the relationship.” He also said that there was significant untapped potential in the Indian market, and the two economies have complementary strengths that the expanded Austrade network will be seeking to explore. Five new trade offices will be launched in India and another three existing operations will be expanded, a move that will give Australia the largest trade promotion network in Indian of any foreign country. Under the planned expansion new Austrade offices will be established in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi and Pune with offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata expanded. The news would bring delight to many who wish to immigrate to Australia on skilled immigration or student visas.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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There is good news if you’re thinking of working in Singapore. The country is actively seeking labour for the healthcare, transport, education, aerospace, insurance, service, biomedical and construction industry.  The employment market in Singapore has also sported a recent trend – employers have been hiring more foreigners, who now fill six in ten jobs (up from five in ten in 2007). There are over 900,000 foreigners, who fill everything from construction jobs to white collar and service work, accounting for a third of the 2.73 million people employed, enabling the economy to grow beyond the limits of Singapore’s indigenous workforce.  Singapore has a competitive and friendly environment for foreigners who would like to work there. The nation has ranked first for having the best labour force (Business Environment Risk Intelligence Labour Force Ranking) and being the top Asian country for its quality of life (Worldwide Quality of Living Index). Other reasons that attract foreigners to work in Singapore include open recruitment policies, low personal taxations and a high standard of living, coupled with an English-speaking environment.
According to a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, despite the current downturn, 99% of CEOs in the Asia-Pacific region still believe that attracting and retaining key talent is critical to sustaining long-term growth for any business. The Singapore Human Resources Institute has also reported that the demand for knowledge workers will remain throughout the region. Fresh graduates would be relieved to know that entry-level positions are still available. According to Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang, there will be more than 30,000 jobs created next year, of which 6,000 will come from new investments coming into Singapore this year. While opportunities still abound when it comes to working in Singapore, you first need to know where the jobs can be found. To find a suitable job, there are various measures specially designed to help desiring candidates to look out for jobs. Internet is very well equipped for job searches and also there are various local classifieds that concentrate on jobs available in Singapore. Some companies however engage recruitment firms for hiring people to work for them. Finding a job in Singapore is easy if a person is capable of working hard.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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Immigration program to Australia has been now enhanced as a new scheme has been released for the welfare of non-English speaking countries that would provide provisions for the settlements of people willing to immigrate to Australia who cannot speak English. The scheme is called the Adult Migrant English Programme (AMEP). The scheme would provide English Language education support to people who have either immigrated to Australia or took an asylum and also they are not native English speakers. A tender has been proposed for the welfare of non-English speaker immigrants.
Laurie Ferguson, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, announcing the tender said, “This tender is for a new model of services, including enhanced vocational counselling to help migrants identify their own learning path and track their progress through the programme. The AMEP will help clients enter the workforce and access further training opportunities through a Settlement Language Pathways to Employment/Training course.” For the provision of the young who have just left the schools, the new programme will also be extended to the 15-17 year-old age group to help school leavers to begin working in Australia. On top of that the new English language skills, entrants into the programme will receive information about Australian society, services, customs and laws.
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is the Australian Government’s largest settlement program. The AMEP offers up to 510 hours of free English language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants who do not have functional English. The AMEP plays an important role in assisting migrants in their transition to life in Australia by providing settlement focussed basic language skills and settlement support. According to Ferguson, the new tender scheme would be an important step for Australian Immigration. He said, “This course combines successful features of the Employment Pathways and Traineeships in English and Work Readiness Programs established by the government last year. It is an integral part of the suite of settlement services delivered by DIAC to new arrivals to support their social inclusion and economic participation in Australian society.”

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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Whether you are a Singaporean currently working abroad or a foreigner who has never been to Singapore, you will be amazed by the rapid progress and growth potential there. Recognising the need to balance work and play, the government has taken efforts to transform the island state into a dynamic and modern city. Believe it or not, the nightlife in Singapore frequently tops global polls, while qualities that have propelled Singapore to where it is today remain, such as a safe, clean environment and a multi-racial population that lives in harmony. Globalisation and knowledge on economy have led to a single worldwide market for talent. But not every country can provide the abundance of opportunities and cosmopolitan environment that Singapore offers. Since Singapore gained independence, it has overcome the odds to become one of Asia’s most advanced economies. Numerous talents and entrepreneurs have already arrived in Singapore to live and work, while limitless possibilities await global citizens who are keen to apply their skills and knowledge to the opportunities available here.
A small country with no natural resources, Singapore has always known the importance of investing in human capital. Providing quality education for all has been one strategy, as can be seen from how Singapore is an increasingly popular study destination for international students. Today, other than the four local universities that boast a diverse mix of local and foreign students, there are eight international universities established in Singapore, as part of the Economic Development Board’s Global Schoolhouse programme. Singapore has also been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub. Factors contributing to this include developed infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, the use of English as the main working language and respect for intellectual property rights. According to Doing Business 2009, an annual report by the World Bank Group which compares business regulations in 181 countries, Singapore ranks first for its ease of doing business, and has clinched this top spot for three consecutive years. The 2008-2009 Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum has also named Singapore the most competitive economy in Asia.
To date, more than 7,000 multinational companies have set up base in Singapore, next to 100,000 small and medium enterprises. Business-owners all over the world regard Singapore as an ideal location to grow their businesses, with many of them using the country as a springboard to tap on other emerging markets in Asia. Naturally, employment opportunities in Singapore have grown exponentially for global citizens, as the country has always opened its doors to foreign talent who are highly sought-after across all industries. Current growth sectors include biomedical sciences, banking and financial services, tourism and hospitality, construction and interactive digital media, to name a few. Foreign talents account for about 30% of the workforce, attracted by open recruitment policies, low personal taxation, a meritocratic society which embraces diversity, and last but not least, a high quality of life in Singapore’s cosmopolitan environment. These have been proven by the Worldwide Quality of Living Index which ranked Singapore as the top Asian country for its quality of life.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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The United Kingdom is all set to change the Tier 2 Visa with the effect of 14th December, due to which the rule that enabled employers to offer jobs to immigrants earlier would be altered a bit.  According to the Immigration Department’s website of UK, new plans would be introduced to extend the period of advertisements for jobs that may eventually go to UK work visa holders. According to the statement, all the jobs will have to be advertised in the UK for about four weeks before workers from outside the EU are called to fill the positions. The rules will be implemented from 14th of December this year. Arguing on the topic the UK immigration minister Phil Woolas , said, “we’ve always said that we would run our immigration system for the benefit of the UK and that is why the Prime Minister announced that we will extend the amount of time employers must advertise jobs in Jobcentre Plus, before they can bring in a worker from outside Europe.” The changes have been sought because of the suggestions made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) in August late this year. The move is made by keeping in mind the welfare of work visa holders and also to help British workers to gain the jobs they need as the country emerges from the recession. However, talking about hiring foreign immigrants to UK, Phil Woolas further said that it will still allow firms to hire foreigners who want to work in the UK: “It will ensure that businesses can recruit the skilled foreign workers that the economy needs.”
Apart from the job advertisements rule, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) also published proposals for a revised shortage occupation list on 21 October 2009. These proposals have been accepted in full by the UK Government. Some of the changes to the occupation list are as follows:
•    A revised list of healthcare and engineering professionals
•    The continued inclusion of chefs, ballet dancers, work riders, veterinary surgeons and secondary teachers in maths and science, and sheep shearers.
•    The addition of special needs teachers and skilled meat boners and trimmers. Etc.
It is easier for employers to obtain Tier 2 visas if the occupation is on the skilled shortage list as the Government has already accepted that there are insufficient people from the resident labour market to fill vacancies in these occupations. The occupations in skill shortage list continue to attract people to come live and work in UK. Where the job advertisement rule would help the work visa holders to find a job in UK on the other hand people in shortage occupation list would continue to immigrate to UK on employment basis.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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Citizenship and Immigration Department of Canada has announced the new plans to include biometric data in the new applications that would be lodged with the department. By doing so Canada has now joined a list of countries that would demand biometric details from visitors or prospective immigrants while filing for a visa for the country. By the end of 2010, The Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada plans to begin the roll out of biometric data processing and proposed that the new system would be fully functional in all provinces by 2013.
Discussing the topic, the spokesperson of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said, “Biometrics will significantly contribute to Canada’s existing measures designed to reduce identity fraud and enhance the safety and security of Canadians.” After the requirement is implemented the biometric tests connote that applicants for temporary resident visas, Canadian work visas and Canadian study visas will have to submit fingerprints and have their photographs taken in person before arriving in Canada. Some foreign countries already implemented this requirement but Canada by this move has now joined countries like France, the US and the UK, who all have biometric requirements in place. The US has had such a database in place for the last 5 years whereas the UK plans to have all UK visa applicants’ biometric details on their biometric database by 2011.
When the rules would be implemented in late 2010, approximately 15,000 fingerprints and facial images will be collected from field trial participants out of which analysis of the information collected will be conducted separately. The Biometric test will check the impact of introducing fingerprint and facial recognition technologies on CIC operations. The trial will help determine how biometrics could be used to identify people entering Canada and to reduce the potential for identity fraud. It will only involve a limited number of temporary resident visa applicants and refugee claimants. CIC has been consulting with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect the personal information of field trial participants. Apart from Canada, in order to ensure that people immigrating to various countries are not fraud, the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are also testing or using biometrics to enhance the integrity of their border control systems.

For more information and queries please refer to our website http://www.angadinfo.com/ or e-mail us at rajdeep@angadinfo.com

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