Immigration news

On 01 September 2007, changes to Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program went into effect.

The Australian Labor Party has proposed to allow unskilled and low skilled workers from the Pacific islands to work in Australia. The proposed measure is part of a prioritized free trade agreement with Pacific island nations to provide foreign aid.

Illegal workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been given an extra two months to leave the country, according to an announcement given by the UAE Minister of Interior. A three month "amnesty" had already been in effect and was set to expire on 02 September 2007.

United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a rule that would require permanent residents holding green cards with no expiration date to replace them.

British Liberal Democrats are urging the government to grant "selective amnesty" to long-term illegal immigrants, allowing them to apply for permanent residence and eventually gain British citizenship.

Australian Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews released a draft of a proposed resource book entitled 'Becoming an Australian Citizen'. The book contains a preliminary draft of questions that will be asked in the proposed citizenship test for immigrants wishing to become naturalized.