Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

A new study has found that skilled immigrant workers on Australian 457 visas are not taking away resources sector jobs from Australians. Researchers at Perth's Edith Cowan University School of Management say there have been claims that foreign workers are reducing opportunities for skilled locals, but findings in their study reveal this is not the case.

Skilled immigrant workers who move to Australia but are unable to secure jobs relevant to their skills and qualifications, are after three years, more likely to be depressed, a new study shows.

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has announced new resources projects in Queensland and Western Australia that may make more positions available for skilled foreign workers. Bowen said only a small number of resource companies have applied for permission to bring in foreign workers and so far only one has received conditional approval.

New Australian statistics reveal that Melbourne has seen its population grow by over half a million people in the last decade. The population increase is partly due to overseas immigration into Australia, according to ABS spokesman Andrew Howe.Overall Melbourne has seen an increase in its population of 647,200 people. The largest increase was in South Morang, up 32,200 people, while Point Cook, Caroline Springs and Tarneit in the west of the city each saw growth of more than 20,000 people.

Australia's Human Rights Commission has urged the federal government to make immediate changes to Australia's refugee program. The commission released their latest report this week calling for the government to create more opportunities for community placement for thousands of asylum seekers now in detention.

From 3 September 2012 Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will open two Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) in Beijing and Shanghai. The AVACs, operated by VFS Global Pty Ltd, will accept visa applications and visa fees, handle basic enquiries from clients before their application is submitted, and return passports.