Immigration news

India plans to propose that workers' movement in the services sector be monitored by global work permits not covered under the current immigration or tourist visa quotas in the US and EU. The new global work permit would be issued to the employer, not the employee, and would be related to the work that the workers are expected to do in the host country. Moreover, the employer would guarantee the return of the visa holders back to the country of origin.

In a bid to promote economic development throughout the Riverina region of Australia, the Riverina Regional Development Board is encouraging applications from skilled people who are interested in migrating to Australia via the Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa.The SIR visa allows you to live and work in regional Australia with the option to apply for permanent residence after a period of time.

From 13 November 2005, all nationals from non-EEA member states as listed below who wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.

A one-off cost of £85.00 will enable the traveller, once entry clearance has been obtained, to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit (unless they wish to change or extend their stay).

Mike Lynch, the UK's first Internet billionaire, is criticizing the UK government for failing to attract the 'brightest and the best' from around the world. Lynch on 12 July said that the UK's IT economy could be damaged unless the government relaxes its current stance on allowing the "brightest and the best" to freely move into the country.

A survey carried out on over 17,000 people in 16 countries, asked the question: Suppose a young person who wanted to leave this country asked you to recommend where to lead a good life, what country would you recommend?

Australia was the top choice of respondents from Britain (31 per cent) and Canada (18 per cent), while Americans and the French chose Canada (16 and 14 per cent respectively).

Australia and Canada were the most recommended destinations for people from the Netherlands and Germany.

French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday announced the creation of an interministerial committee tasked with re-evaluating the country's immigration needs and its visa procedures.

The committee would begin work in September and deliver its conclusions in March 2006.Sarkozy wants France to change its immigration policy, and hopes to implement a points-based system of immigration. Points would be given to visa candidates based on "age, education, knowledge of languages and professional experience," Sarkozy said.