General Skilled Migration Programme

“Important changes to General Skilled Migration commence today”, Minister’s press release 1 September 2007 - The points test has been adjusted to benefit applicants with advanced Australian tertiary qualifications, Australian skilled work experience and strong English language skills.

The changes include:

• New English language threshold requirement - applicants with skills in professional, technical or managerial occupations will be raised from an IELTS score of 5 to 6, applicants with recognised trades skills will still be required to meet IELTS 5.
• New onshore students - skilled - Graduate (temporary) visa - new 18 months visa category for overseas students.
• New offshore graduate - skilled - recognised graduate (temporary) visa - new 18 month visa aimed at addressing "niche" shortages in the labour market.
• Same sex partners can be included as secondary applicants in an application.

For full details see:DIAC Media Release

Two year study rule

The current two year study rule eligibility requirements changed from 1 September 2007. Applicants will now have to complete one or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications for award by an Australian educational institute as a result of course or courses:

• registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
• completed as a result of at least two academic years’ study or completed in a total of no less than 16 calendar months
• that the applicant studied in Australia, while holding a visa that allowed study and for which all instruction was conducted in English.

see: DIAC website on GSMC FAQ

From 1 September 2007 applicants who are residents of the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka or the Philippines must now have the following trades assessed by Vetassess (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) in their respective countries. Applicants relying on Australian qualifications will have to show these are closely related to the nominated occupation. Previously the test was the lesser requirement of relevance.

• General Electrcician
• General Plumber
• Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
• Motor Mechanic
• Carpenter
• Joiner
• Electrical power line tradesperson
• cable jointer
• Brick layer

The process is more expensive and complex than the TRA process which is replaced for these trades only. Find out more at the Vetassess website.

These changes are incorporated in the new SOL (Skilled Occupation List) which applies from 1 September 2007.

"No work" visa condition 8112 revised

Condition 8112 states that: “the holder must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident”. The revised policy applies to the following visa subclasses which all have a mandatory 8112 condition imposed:

• Business visitor (short stay) visa (subclass 456)
• Sponsored business visitor (short stay) visa (subclass 459)
• Electronic travel authority (Business entrant – long validity) visa (subclass956)
• Electronic travel authority (Business entrant – short validity) visa (subclass 977)

The revised policy aims to ensure that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s interpretation of Condition 8112 is consistent with the original intention behind the subclass 456 visa. Work will therefore still only be allowed in very limited circumstances but the policy aims to clarify what limited type of work may be allowed.

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MODL updated

STNI - ACT

The applicant should have a minimum of 18 months recent, relevant work experience in the nominated occupation and be prepared to make a statement committing to live for at least 2 years in Canberra.

Read more at Business and Industry development for ACT website.

Guidelines for the skileed - sponsored subclass 176/886 visas came into effect on 1 September 2007.

Skilled - Independednt Regional Visa

With the introduction of the new GSM rules, SIR guidelines are being amended by the States. In the meantime, applications are on hold.

Australian Education International

The year-to-date June 2007 international student data show a total of 332,413 enrolments of full-fee international students in Australia on a student visa. This represents a growth of 15.4% over the same period in 2006. Commencements grew by 22.2%.

The Asian region remained the main source of Australia’s international student market at 79.8% of enrolments. Growth in enrolments from India was 60.9% between YTD June 2006 and YTD June 2007. The growth from China and Republic of Korea was 13.8% and 15.3% respectively. Nepal, most significantly, showed an increase of 252%. Falls in enrolments were recorded for Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan.

There was a 22.2% increase in the number of commencements between YTD June 2006 and YTD June 2007. Nepal experienced very strong growth in commencements (394.7%) becoming the eleventh leading source market for commencements.

“School’s in for stayers” Erik Jensen, SMH, 4 July 2007, p16 – colleges for international students are often more about paying a way to permanent residency than quality education.

New National code of practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007

As flagged in the last Newsletter (June 2007, no. 63) the new National code of practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students commenced on 1 July 2007.

Read more at the Australian Education International website

Amendments to the Migration Regulation arising from the Code relate to:

• Welfare arrangements for those under 18 years old – education providers for under 18 year old students will be able to nominate the period for which they approve the arrangements.
• Student transfer between education providers – student visa condition 8206, which restricts student visa holders from changing education provider within the first 12 months of their principal course of study, will have no effect after 1 July 2007.
• Course progress – Education providers’ roles and responsibilities – student visa condition 8202 has been amended to reflect changes to the monitoring of attendance and course progress requirements under standards 10 and 11 of the National Code 2007. The onus of monitoring compliance falls on colleges.

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Department of Immigration and Citizenship

(i) Palmer Report: Two years progress

The Palmer Report (2005) looked into the circumstances of the detention of Cornelia Rau. It made 49 recommendations for organisational and cultural change in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. That report, together with the Comrie Report into the unlawful removal from Australia of Vivien Alvarez and reports from the Ombudsman, instigated a massive overhaul of the Department’s business processes, client service and stakeholder engagement. Two years on, the Department has implemented much of the reform and improvement programme at a cost of $800 million.

Read full report

(ii) Commonwealth Ombudsman

On 2 July 2007 The Ombudsman released his final reports relating to immigration detention of 247 people during the years 1993 to 2007. Some of the cases include Australian citizens, permanent residents and lawful visa holders. There may be cases for compensation after the Report demonstrated frequent mistakes by departmental officials. The Ombudsman will continue to monitor individual cases and system issues.

The reports are:

• DIAC - Report into referred immigration cases - Detention process issues
• DIAC - Report into referred immigration cases -Data problems
• DIAC - Report into referred immigration cases - Notification issues
• DIAC - Report into referred immigration cases - Other legal issues

Related article

• "Immigration referred cases: lessons for government "Secretary of DIAC's address to the Institute of Public Administration, 6 August 2007 lessons learned from the 247 cases referred to Commonwealth Ombudsman. See Speaking Notes

(iii) Senate Standing Committee on legal and constitutional Affairs - Inquiries

The Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs – Estimates (the Estimates Committee) considered the proposed expenditure from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for the financial year 2007-2008.

Issues were canvassed at public meetings on 21 and 22 May 2007, including the cultural and business transformations occurring within the Department incorporating IT developments through the "System for People" programming.

On 13 June 2007, the Senate referred the provisions of the Australian citizenship amendment (citizenship testing) bill 2007 to the Committee for inquiry and report by 31 July 2007. In the report, Labor backed proposals for a citizenship test but joined Coalition members of the Committee in calling for questions to be made public. The Greens Senator Kerry Nettle opposed the bill. The new citizenship test takes effect on 1 October 2007.

The bill amends the Australian citizenship act 2007 to provide for the testing of prospective applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral. The bill will require applicants under the general eligibility provisions (subsection 21(2) of the act) to have successfully completed a citizenship test before making an application. See: Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Bill 2007

The Committee is also inquiring into the Migration amendment (sponsorship obligations) bill 2007 with a reporting date of 30 July 2007.

The bill amends the Migration act 1958 and the Taxation administration act 1953 to create new obligations for sponsors of skilled temporary overseas workers. See: Migration Amendment (Sponsorship Obligations) Bill 2007.

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Migration Programme 2006 - 2007

The Minister released immigration figures for the 2006-2007 financial year on 16 August 2007. Two thirds of the 148,200 foreigners granted permanent visas were skilled migrants. Britain (24,800), India (15,865), China (14,688), South Africa (4,293) and Malaysia (3,838) were the main sources for skilled workers. Accountants, computing professionals, registered nurses were the leading occupations among skilled workers, whose average age was 31.

The Government announced that it would accept a total of 102,500 skilled migrants in 2007-2008. One third of the migrant intake was attributed to family stream visas ( a total of 50,079 people). Britain (6,540), China (6,037), India (3,634), the Philippines (3,098) and Vietnam (3,040) were leading source countries for migrants under the family stream.

Refugees and humanitarian entrants accounted for 13,017 people in 2006-2007.

See: Media release from the Minister of Immigration and Citizenships

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Legislation update & Pending Legislation

Australian citizenship act 2007 no. 20

Since June 1, 2007 the Australian citizenship act has been amended or enhanced as follows:

• Determination under subsection 5(2) Australian citizenship (permanent resident status) – registered 30 June 2007 – this instrument determines certain persons to be permanent residents at a particular time
• Instrument of authorisation – class of persons under subsection 42(3) – registered 30 June 2007 – this instrument authorises persons to access identifying information.
• Instrument of authorisation – classes of persons authorised to receive pledge of commitment under subsection 27(5 registered 30 June 2007
• Instrument of delegation and authorisation under section 53 and subsections 40(3), 42(3), and 40(4) – registered 30 June 2007 delegates a range of the Minister’s powers and authorises persons for the purposes of the 2007 act.
• Australian citizenship regulations 2007 these regulations repeal the Australian citizenship regulations 1960 and prescribe various matters under theAustralian citizenship act 2007. They came into force on 1 July 2007.

Migration act 1958

Since June 1, 2007 the Migration act has been amended by the following acts:

• Migration amendment (border integrity) act 2007 no. 62 Schedules 1, 2 and 3 commenced on 1 July 2007. The schedules relate to special purpose visas, immigration clearance and special category visas.
• Migration amendment (maritime crew) act 2007 no. 73 – Schedule 1 part 1, the main amendments, commenced on 1 July 2007. They relate to the introduction of a new class of temporary visa for foreign sea crew. Applications for the visa have been available since 1 July 2007 with a transition period until 1 January 2008 when they become mandatory.
• Migration amendment (statutory agency) act 2007 no. 87 – commenced 22 June 2007 – new Part 7A inserted, Statutory authority for purposes of the Public Service act
• Migration (sponsorship fees) act 2007, no. 110 – introduced into the House on 30 May 2007 – commenced 28 June 2007 - validates the collection of sponsorship fees for certain temporary entry visa under reg 5.38 of the Migration Regulations from 1 May 1997 to 24 May 2007.
• Migration amendment (review provisions) act 2007 no. 100 – commenced 29 June 2007 – allows MRT and RRT to give procedural fairness to review applicants
• Specification under paragraphs 82(2AA)(a) and (b) – Substantive visa classes – August 2007 – specifies substantive visa classes that may be held concurrently with a subclass 988 (maritime crew) visa
• Migration amendment (employer sanctions) act 2007 no. 7 – commenced 19 August 2007 – it creates new criminal offences for knowingly or recklessly allowing an illegal worker to work; or referring an illegal worker for work with another business.
• Determination under section 175A – Eligible passports – effective 27 August 2007 – provides for eligible passports for using automated system for immigration clearance
• Specification under subsection 96(1) and 96(2) – Pass marks and pool marks in relation to applications for General Skilled Migration skilled visas (classes VE, VC, VF and VB) – 30 August 2007

Related Articles

"Haneef detained after bail win" SMH 16 July 2007 - in this high profile case, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship revoked the Doctor Mohamed Haneef’s 457 visa, asserting that he had failed “the character test” under the Migration act

John Dowd QC comments on Haneef trial”, Reporter Mark Colvin interviews the former judge and current Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Commission of Jurists regarding the character test under the Migration act.

"Immigrants face tougher character test", by Connie Levett, SMH, 17 July 2007, quotes Ray Turner from Parish Patience on s501 of the Migration act; also notes extra information required from visa applicants of Arabic descent.

"Haneef case shows urgent need to reform Migration act" - statement by Andrew Bartlett about the character test provisions

"Citizenship test resource book released", The Minister for DIAC released a draft of the proposed resource book "Becoming an Australian Citizen" from which questions for the proposed Australian Citizenship Test will be drawn, 26 August 2007

"Citizenship test not a fair go for refugees", FECCA, 28 August 2007

Migration regulations 1994

Since 1 June 2007, the Migration regulations 1994 have been amended by the following:

• Residential postcodes, skilled occupations, relevant assessing authorities and points (regulations 1.03 and 2.26B) commenced 12 June 2007.
• Maritime crew visa regulations – commenced 1 July 2007
• Automated border processing – commenced 1 July 2007
• Annual adjustment of fees and visa application charges – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendment to sponsorship, nomination and time of decision criteria for subclass 457 (Business (long stay) visas) – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendment to time of decision criteria for subclass 457 (Business (long stay)) visas to require English language proficiency – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendments relating to conditions on bridging visas for applicants for certain permanent skilled visas – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendments to the work and holiday visa programme – effective 1 July 2007-07-10
• Visa application charges on Tourist (class TR) visa and Temporary Business Entry (class UC) (subclass 456) visa, studying on subclass 676 – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendments to allow the collection and use of personal identifiers – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendment to student visa condition 8202 – effective 1 July 2007
• Removal of the change of provider student visa condition 8206 and related provisions – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendments to the welfare arrangements criteria for under 18 years old student – effective 1 July 2007
• Amendment to Minister’s power to specify relevant assessing authorities – commenced 1 July 2007
• Specifications under subparagraph 1224A(3(c)(iii) – Class of persons June 2007- specifies persons to be holders of passports issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran
• Specification under subparagraph 1218(2)(i)(B) – Classes of persons – 30 July 2007 – persons entitled to a visa application charge of nil for a subclass 676 visa
• Specification under regulation 1.03 – Migration occupations in demand – 30 July 2007 – this instrument adds 10 occupations to the Migration occupations in demand list (three professional, one information and communication technology occupation and six trade occupations); one trade occupation has been removed from MODL.
• Specification under paragraph 459.214(c) – Organisations that may sponsor short stay business visitors – July 2007 registered 2 August 2007
• Specification under subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) Travel agents for PRC citizens applying for tourist visas – 15 August 2007
• Migration amendment regulations (no. 7) 2007 – relating to general skilled migration visas, registered 24 August 2007
• Specification under item 6701 of Schedule 6 – Designated areas – 30 August
• Specification under reg 1.03 – Skilled occupations, relevant assessing authorities and points for general skilled migration – 30 August
• Specification under regulation 1.15C and 1.15D – English language tests and level of English ability for general skilled migration – 30 August
• Specification under regulation 476.212 – Institutions and disciples – 30 August
• Specifications under sub regulations – States and Territories with English language training arrangements – 30 August

Pending Legislation

Following is a summary of pending legislation as at 1 September 2007. Bills, explanatory memoranda, 2nd reading speeches and status of bills are available at the Parliament of Australia website.

Australian citizenship amendment (citizenship testing) bill 2007 was introduced into the House on 30 May 2007 and referred to the Senate Standing Committee for inquiry and report by 31 July 2007 (see above). As a result of the Committee report, a supplementary explanatory memorandum was issued to make two further amendments to the bill , to insert a note after new subsections 23A(1) and 23A(2) for clarification and to ensure consistency with the act.

Related articles

• "Summary Report on the outcomes of the public consultation on the merits of introducing a formal citizenship test" See the report.
• "Citizenship interview better than test”, SMH, 16 July 2007, interviews of prospective citizens conducted in English are more effective in assessing their language skills than the federal government’s proposed English testing regime, according to the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia.

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Human Rights

On 22 June 2007, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner launched a new report, the Same-Sex Same Entitlements Report. The Report was based on Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s 2006 National Inquiry into Discrimination against People in Same-sex Relationships in the area of Financial and Work-related entitlements. The Inquiry held public hearings and community forums around Australia and received 680 submissions covering a range of topics which described, first-hand, the impact of discriminatory laws on same-sex couples and their children.

The Report found that 58 federal laws denied same-sex couples and their children basic financial and work-related entitlements available to opposite-sex couples and their children. The 58 laws breach the most fundamental of human rights principles - non-discrimination, equality before the law and the best interests of the child. See the full report.

The Same-sex same entitlements bill 2007 was introduced into the Senate on 14 August 2007 to implement the recommendations of the HREOC Report. The bill establishes a definition of de facto relationship which will be inserted into a number of acts and regulations.

"Preserving social cohesion and harmony”, 18 July 2007, Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia’s response to Government’s proposal for Arab descent applicants for permanent residency to face greater questioning than other applicants. See Media release.

China:"Beijing's rule of law retreat", Human Rights Watch, 2 July 2007, Wall Street Journal. Hundreds of slave labourers found working in feudal conditions in brick kilns forced a reaction from the federal government. See commentary

Iran:" Iran nets fashion victims" SMH, 25 July 2007, Wall Street Journal. Hundreds of slaves labourers found working in feudal conditions in brick kilns forced a reaction from the federal government. See article.

Israel: "Mordechai Vanunu sentence clear violation of human rights", Amnesty International, Press release 2/7/07. AI condemned the decision of an Israeli Court to sentence Vanunu, the anti-nuclear whistleblower, to a further 6 months in prison for violating the ban on speaking to foreigners. See Press release.

Nepal: "Nepal: keep promise, condemn abduction based on sexual orientation" 16 April 2007, Human Rights Watch. See the news.

Pakistan: "Pakistan's blasphemy laws strike again"; and may get worse" - Christian sentenced to death, nursery school shut down, Christianity Today, 7 June 2007. See the article

Philippines: "Scared silent: impunity for extrajudicial killings in the philippines, human Rights Watch report, June 2007 - Details the involvement of government security forces in the murder or "disappearance" of members of leftist political parties and nongovernment organisations, journalist, outspoken clergy, anti-mining activists and agriculural reform activists. See the report.

Russia: "Russia gay rights under attack" - attacks and police collusion show liberties rollback, Human Rights Watch 14 June 2007 See news

Sri Lanka: "Sri Lanka's human rights crisis", Asia Report no.135, 14 June 2007, International Crisis Group. The resumption of war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been accompanied by widespread human rights abuses on both sides. See full report.

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Millennium development goals report 2007

The Report comes at the mid-point of a 15 year effort to reach key development objectives that world leaders set at a United Nations Summit in 2000. The MDG 2007 reports that rapid economic growth has spurred progress in the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in Asia but inequality is also growing in parts of the Region. Asia’s path to the millennium development goals may be blocked by challenges in areas such as health, environmental sustainability and gender equality. The Report blames factors such as deforestation, the fast rate of HIV/AIDS infections, and unplanned urbanisation in parts of Asia. See report

Refugee and asylum seekers

• The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) published its World Refugee Survey 2007. It provides country updates with profile of refugee populations and an overview of their rights with host countries. Read more
• "Baxter immigration detention centre to close" 17 August 2007 Read more
• "Women refugees and asylum seekers" briefing paper published by The Information Centre for Asylum and Refugees in the UK (ICAR), July 2007 - addresses four issues pertaining specifically to women - introduction of gender guidelines, female genital mutilation, trafficking of women, and women in detention. Read more
• 82 Sri Lankan asylum seekers have been detained on Nauru since March 2007. More than 50 of them were interviewed by immigration officials without a lawyer. "We were not told about lawyers, say Nauru detainees", by Connie Levett, SMH, 5 July 2007, p6. Read more
• "Immigration the defining difference", by Duncan Currie, SMH, 12 July 2007. George Bush has proved less conservative than John Howard in the areas of immigration and multiculturalism. Read more
• "Desertification could lead to mass migrations, UN study warns" – about 50 million people over the next ten years are in danger of being displaced due to the results of climate change. Read more
• "Asylum seekers lacking medical help, physicians say" World Today, 8 May 2007 - a recent study by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, involving 70 refugee children in Melbourne, found that 25% had not seen a doctor since their arrival. Readmore
• "A price too high: the cost of Australia’s approach to asylum seekers", A Just Australia and Oxfam Australia, August 2007, regarding the Australian Government's policy of offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru, Manus and Christmas Islands, the "Pacific Solution". Read more

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Country Reports

Afghanistan

• "Australia provides a further $7 million in aid to Afghanistan", Minister for Foreign Affairs, media release, 1 July 2007. Australia will also fund 20 new scholarships for English language trade and academic training in Australia. See media release
• "Reforming Afghanistan's police" International Crisis Group Asia Report no. 138, August 2007. See report

China

• "Key issue for China's new labor law: enforcement", 2 July 2007, Christian Science Monitor. Read more

Fiji

• "Bainimarana declares martial law in Fiji", SMH, 6 September 2007. Read more

Indonesia

• "Indonesian Papua: a local perspective on the conflict", International Crisis Group Asia Briefing no. 66, 19 July 2007 – highlights the dangers of ethnic politics and the social tensions generated by large-scale natural resources investment in the remote Boven Digoel district. Read more

Iraq

• "Silent surge" by Lavinia Limon details the under-reported issue of Iraqi refugees – two million have escaped in the last four years with a further 50,000 fleeing every month. Read more
• “Spiralling Iraqi refugee problem forces UN agency to double aid target” UN News Centre 13 July 2007 Read more
• “Where is Iraq heading? Lessons from Basra”, International Crisis Group, Middle East report no. 67, 25 June 2007. Basra illustrates the pitfalls of a transitional process that has led to collapse of the state apparatus and failed to build legitimate institutions. Read more
• “Iraq’s displacement crisis: the search for solutions” Forced Migration Review, Special issue, June 2007 Read more

Kosovo

• “Breaking the Kosovo stalemate: Europe’s responsibility” International Crisis Group, Europe Report no. 185, 21 August 2007 Read more

Nepal

• “Nepal: Supreme Court orders action on ‘disappearances’”, Human Rights Watch, 15 June 2007, The Nepali Government should implement the Supreme Court’s recent order to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the thousands of enforced disappearances in Nepal’s civil conflict. Read more
• “Nepal’s troubled Tarai Region”, International Crisis Group, Asia Report no. 136, 9 July 2007. Read more

Pakistan

• “Timing of Bhutto return in dispute” SMH, 13 August 2007, Benazir Bhutto hopes to return to Pakistan by mid-October for elections in which she may ally with President Musharraf. Read more
• “Pakistan: UN experts welcome reinstatement of Chief Justice” UN News Centre, 7 August 2007. Read more
• “Elections democracy and stability in Pakistan”, International Crisis Group Asia Report no. 137, 31 July 2007 Read more
• “Is democracy ‘reborn’ in Pakistan?” Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2007 – Supreme Court Chief Justice reinstated Read more
• “Suicide attack, bomb kill at least 70 in Pakistan” Associated Press, 15 July 2007. Read more
• “UNICEF sounds alarm about impact of recent Asian floods on children” UN News Centre, 13 July 2007. Read more
• “Pakistan’s military profits draw ire”, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2007, As dissatisfaction with President Musharraf rises across Pakistan, the military’s influence over the economy has become a focus of anger towards the Government. Read more
• “Emergency rule or return to democracy?” International Crisis Group, Crisis alert report, 6 June 2007, President Musharraf may declare a state of emergency which would suspend fundamental rights and in effect mean martial law. Read more
• “Pakistan’s minorities”, by Irfan Husain – intolerance shown to Christian and Ahmadi citizens. Read more

Philippines

• “Philippines: extremists groups target civilians” 30 Jul 2007 – more than 1,700 killed or injured in bombings and kidnappings. Read more
• “Philippines: new terrorism laws put rights at risk , Human Rights Watch, 17 July 2007, The Human security act 2007 which took effect on 15 July 2007 provides for the indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without adequate procedural protections. Read more
• “Lives destroyed: attacks on civilians in the Philippines” Human Rights Watch report contains personal accounts and photographs of attacks by violent Islamist groups since 2000. Read more
• “Philippines: prosecute political killings”, Human Rights Watch news release, 28 June 2007. Read more

Sri Lanka

• “Dark days in paradise - kidnapping and murder are common in Sri Lanka as the teardrop isle slides towards anarchy”, Dylan Welch, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 June-1 July 2007, p32. Read more

Vietnam

• “Vietnam: respect rights to free expression, assembly” Human Rights Watch, 20 July 2007, allow farmers to peacefully protest against government land seizures. Read more

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Staff News

Honorary Specialist Accreditation

David Bitel was awarded an Honorary Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society Executive Committee for his “very significant” contribution to the Specialist Accreditation Scheme and his stature as a longstanding member of the Advisory Committee. The Specialist Accreditation Board conveyed thanks to Mr Bitel for his many years of service to the Scheme and beyond that, to the profession.

Staff movements

We farewelled our Senior Counsel, Nigel Dobbie, in July 2007 after 11 years at Parish Patience. Nigel has joined another Immigration firm.

In late June we welcomed Ray Turner. Ray has a Masters degree in law from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Canberra University. He is an accredited specialist in immigration law and a registered migration agent. He is admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia and is entitled to practise as a solicitor and barrister in New South Wales.

Ray pursued a legal career in the Commonwealth Departments of Primary Industry and Health and the Australian Customs Service, before being admitted into practice in 1989. In each of these Departments he represented the various Ministers and other statutory office holders in the Federal Court and Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

After going into private practice, Ray’s role was to challenge the decisions of Government agencies in the Courts and Tribunals. He successfully challenged decisions of the Australian Customs Service and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship as a Solicitor Advocate. He has also assisted with the entry to Australia of people in the migration categories of Business, Skills and Family of Australian citizens.

We have also recently welcomed new lawyer and migration agent Daniel Koh.

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Overseas Consultation

David Bitel visited Manila and Bataan in the Philippines to see clients in mid-August. He also visited Vietnam from 19-26 October together with Thong Nguyen. David and Thong ran seminars on 20 and 21 October.

Interstate - Our staff also regularly travel to Melbourne, Canberra and other capital cities for consultations with prospective visa applicants.

David Bitel will visit Dhaka in Bangladesh from 15 November 2007.

Interstate – Our staff regularly travel to Melbourne, Canberra and other capitals for consultations with prospective visa applicants.

Prospective applicants should contact Immigration Inquiries for an appointment, or ring telephone +61 2 9286 8700 or 1300 850 695 from within Australia. A consultation fee will apply.

Seminars & conferences

Asianlii holds legal information from all 27 countries and territories in Asia, from Japan to Pakistan, from Mongolia to Timor Leste. It provides for browsing and searching databases of legislation, case law, law reform reports and law journals (where available) from each country in the region.

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Website of the month

The Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal is an on-line American legal journal dedicated to issues facing Asia and the Pacific Rim. The website is free and provides full text access to journal articles from Volume 1 issue 1, February 2000 up to the current issue, Volume 8, issue 2, Spring 2007.

You can browse through the contents page of each issue and link to the full text of the article or use the Search facility to find articles of interest.

Articles from the Spring 2007 issue include: “Freedom of religion in China: religious, economic and social disenfranchisement for China’s internal migrant workers” and “Life and death away from the golden land: the plight of Burmese migrant workers in Thailand”.

Diary dates

• United Nations Association of Australia diary dates. Read more
• 3-4 September: Inaugural national Muslim students – access, inclusion and success conference, University of Western Sydney. Read more
• 25 September: Protecting human rights conference, Melbourne Law School. Read more
• 24 October: United Nations Day. Read more
• 10 December: Human Rights Day. Read more
• Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission diary dates. Read more

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Contact Us

Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Level 1, State Street Centre 338 Pitt Street Sydney NSW  2000 Australia    Tel:  +61 2 9286 8700 or: 1300 850 695 (within Australia) Fax: +61 2 9283 3323   Email:   Contact and enquiry form

In this issue:

General Skilled Migration Programme

Vetassess

Visa condition 8112

MODL Updated

STNI - ACT

SIR visas

Australian Education International & New National Code 2007

DIAC - Palmer Report, Commonwealth Ombudsman

Senate Standing Committee on legal & Constitutional Affairs

Migration Programme

Legislation update & Pending Legislation

Human Rights

Refugees and asylum seekers

Country reports

Staff news

Overseas consultation

Seminars & conferences

Diary dates

Website of the month

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Contact Us:

Parish Patience Immigration
Lawyers
Level 1, State Street Centre
338 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia 
Tel: +61 2 9286 8700
or: 1300 850 695 (within Australia)
Fax: +61 2 9283 3323
Email:

Contact and enquiry form

Disclaimer

The contents of this newsletter are not intended to be legal advice. Parish Patience Immigration accepts no responsibility for any action taken in reliance on anything contained in the newsletter. Individuals should seek advice about their own circumstances only from a registered migration agent.