MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s ambassador to the United States said on  Friday he expects immigration reform is unlikely to pass in that country in 2010 because of unemployment and midterm elections, reports New York Times.
In an unusually frank assessment, Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan said Mexico will continue its quiet, ”under the radar” lobbying for a reform that would benefit the estimated 11.8 million Mexicans living in the United States. A large percentage are undocumented.
”It’s not that it is unachievable. It is possible, but it will be difficult,” he told a news conference. ”And this year, especially, the conditions … will be particularly difficult.”
”If the (U.S.) economy grows, but there continues to be the unemployment and the job losses that occurred in the United States in 2009, it is politically impossible for the Republicans or the Democrats, as much as they might be interested … to put an integrated immigration reform on the table,” Sarukhan said.
Sarukhan also said past pronouncements on the issue by Mexico may have done more harm than good.
”Having spoken about it publicly at times in the past … has done a great deal of damage to our countrymen and our allies in the United States,” he said.
Sarukhan said a general amnesty that would automatically legalize undocumented migrants ”cannot be the solution,” because ”the radical conservative wing in the United States would immediately mobilize to torpedo it.”
He said a more realistic goal is a program of temporary work visas and a ”regularization process” — presumably, what has been called ”earned legalization” involving fines or other qualifying factors.
Sarukhan said chances for reform may depend on how much political capital the administration of President Barack Obama has left after the divisive debate over health care.
Daniel Hernandez Joseph, director of overseas citizen protection services for Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department, told reporters that anti-immigration rhetoric ”has permeated in (U.S.) society” and that anti-immigration groups in the United States currently ”feel empowered.”

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Foreign nationals who are HIV-positive will find it easier starting Monday to visit the United States.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed HIV infection from the list of diseases that prevent non-U.S. citizens from entering the country.

Advocates for HIV-positive people said the new policy was long overdue, calling it “a significant step forward for the United States.”

“The end of the HIV travel and immigration ban is the beginning of a new life for countless families and thousands who had been separated because of this policy,” said Steve Ralls, spokesman for Immigration Equality, a national rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive individuals. “This is a new beginning for them.”

The final rule was approved in November and went into effect Monday.

The new regulation takes HIV infection out of the category of “communicable diseases of public health significance,” the CDC said. It also removes required testing for HIV infection from the U.S. immigration medical screening process and eliminates the need for a waiver for entry into the United States.

Visas issued under the new regulation will not publicly identify any traveler who is positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

HIV-infected visitors previously had to obtain a special waiver from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to obtain a visa, a sometimes lengthy process. Under that process, the U.S. State Department had to make individual recommendations on HIV-positive travelers to DHS, which then conducted a case-by-case evaluation.

In fiscal year 2007, the average processing time for DHS to make decisions on such recommendations was 18 days, the federal agency said. The new rule streamlines the process, making visa authorization and issuance available to many otherwise eligible HIV-positive travelers on the same day as their interview with a U.S. consular officer.

The restrictions, President Barack Obama said in October, were “rooted in fear rather than fact.”

U.S. laws and regulations enacted since 1952 have made persons “who were afflicted with any dangerous contagious disease” ineligible to receive a visa to enter the country. People infected with HIV have been restricted since 1987, when Congress directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to add HIV to its list of diseases of public health significance.

The United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, which President Bush signed on July 30, 2008, removed the statutory requirement that mandated the inclusion of HIV on the list of diseases of public health significance that barred entry in the United States.

The legislation did not, however, automatically change the existing regulations, administered by HHS, that continued to list HIV as a “communicable disease of public-health significance” and required the more cumbersome visa process.

The United States was one of 13 countries that restricted entry of HIV-positive visitors, according to amfAR, an AIDS research foundation.

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admin Immigration, Tourist/Visitor Visa Immigration, USA Visas

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!

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admin Immigration Immigration, Immigration to Australia

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.

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admin Immigration Immigration, Immigration to Australia

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.

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admin Immigration Immigration, Immigration to Australia

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.

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admin Immigration Hong Kong Immigration, Immigration

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.

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admin Immigration Immigration, Immigration to Australia

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.

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admin Immigration Immigration, singapore immigration

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.”

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admin Immigration Immigration, Immigration to Australia

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.

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admin Immigration Immigration, singapore immigration