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Protecting Borders and Migration Boosting Australia’s Economy

Protecting Borders and Migration Boosting Australia’s Economy

To provide more protection on Australia’s borders, the Australian Government announced a new reform that will form a new agency which will be consisted by the combined effort of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The new single front-line agency will be known as the Australian Border Force.

Australia BorderScott Morrison, the minister for Immigration and Border Protection stated in his speech that this change will both enhance our national security and create an even stronger national economy.

The reform will take effect on 1st July 2015.

Migration Helping Australia’s Economy

On a separate announcement made by Mr. Morrison, he stated that immigration is still plays an enormous role to boost the country’s economy. The Australian government also announced that they will prioritize growth in the business visa programs.

“The Abbott Government is ensuring our migration program matches the nation’s economic and skills needs while also contributing to a cohesive and strong community,” the minister said.

No change will take place to the overall migration program of 190,000 for the 2014-15 year.

The breakdown will be as follows:

  • Skilled Stream – 128,550
  • Family Stream – 60,885
  • Special Eligibility Stream – 565
  • Total – 190,000
Other Family and Non-Contributory Parent Programs to Be Removed

From 1st July 2014, it will no longer be possible to apply for some visa programs under the Family Stream. The visa programs that will be removed are the following:

  • Remaining Relative – when an applicant’s close family members are permanently and legally living in Australia.
  • Aged Dependent Relative – when an older relative is being supported by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Carer Visas – when a relative needs to give substantial, continuing assistance to an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has a medical condition.

On the other hand, there will be additional places that will be available to the partner and child streams which normally take shorter time to process compared to the visa programs that will be taken out.

For questions and concerns on your visa application, you may call us at +65 6299 0245 for a professional consultation schedule or register for our upcoming seminar to find out more on how to migrate to Australia.

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List of Occupations Requiring Labour Market Testing

List of Occupations Requiring Labour Market Testing

Take note that even if a nominated occupation is on the Labour Market Testing (LMT) list, it will be exempted if:

  • The applicant is a citizen of Chile or Thailand, or is a citizen/permanent resident of New Zealand;
  • The applicant is already working for an associated entity of the sponsoring employer in an ASEAN country (Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), Chile or New Zealand;
  • The applicant is a current employee of an associated entity of the sponsoring employer who operates in a country that is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for senior management position;
  • The sponsoring employer currently operates in a WTO member country seeking to sponsor senior management to establish a business in Australia;
  • The applicant has worked for the sponsoring employer on a full-time basis for the last 2 years; or
  • The applicant is considered as a worker who will help respond to a major disaster in Australia

Below is the list of nominated occupations requiring LMT for 457 visa subclass application.

OCCUPATION

ANZSCO CODE

Engineering Manager

133211

Nursing Clinical Director

134212

Ship’s Engineer

231212

Chemical Engineer

233111

Materials Engineer

233112

Civil Engineer

233211

Geotechnical Engineer

233212

Structural Engineer

233214

Transport Engineer

233215

Electrical Engineer

233311

Electronics Engineer

233411

Industrial Engineer

233511

Mechanical Engineer

233512

Production or Plant Engineer

233513

Mining Engineer (Excluding Petroleum)

233611

Petroleum Engineer

233612

Aeronautical Engineer

233911

Agricultural Engineer

233912

Biomedical Engineer

233913

Engineering Technologist

233914

Environmental Engineer

233915

Naval Architect

233916

Engineering Professionals nec

233999

Midwife

254111

Nurse Manager

254311

Nurse Practitioner

254411

Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

254412

Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)

254413

Registered Nurse (Community Health)

254414

Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)

254415

Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)

254416

Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)

254417

Registered Nurse (Medical)

254418

Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)

254421

Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

254422

Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

254423

Registered Nurse (Surgical)

254424

Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)

254425

Registered Nurses nec

254499

Telecommunications Engineer

263311

Telecommunications Network Engineer

263312

Electronic Engineering Draftsperson

312411

Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson

312511

Building and Engineering Technicians nec

312999

Automotive Electrician

321111

Motor Mechanic (General)

321211

Diesel Motor Mechanic

321212

Motorcycle Mechanic

321213

Small Engine Mechanic

321214

Blacksmith

322111

Electroplater

322112

Farrier

322113

Metal Casting Trades Worker

322114

Metal Polisher

322115

Sheetmetal Trades Worker

322211

Metal Fabricator

322311

Pressure Welder

322312

Welder (First Class)

322313

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)

323111

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)

323112

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)

323113

Fitter (General)

323211

Fitter and Turner

323212

Fitter-Welder

323213

Metal Machinist (First Class)

323214

Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic

323215

Metal Fitters and Machinists nec

323299

Engraver

323311

Gunsmith

323312

Locksmith

323313

Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer

323314

Saw Maker and Repairer

323315

Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer

323316

Engineering Patternmaker

323411

Toolmaker

323412

Panelbeater

324111

Vehicle Body Builder

324211

Vehicle Trimmer

324212

Vehicle Painter

324311

Bricklayer

331111

Stonemason

331112

Carpenter and Joiner

331211

Carpenter

331212

Joiner

331213

Floor Finisher

332111

Painting trades workers

332211

Glazier

333111

Fibrous Plasterer

333211

Solid Plasterer

333212

Roof Tiler

333311

Wall and Floor Tiler

333411

Plumber (General)

334111

Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber

334112

Drainer

334113

Gasfitter

334114

Roof plumber

334115

Electrician (General)

341111

Electrician (Special Class)

341112

Lift Mechanic

341113

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

342111

Electrical Linesworker

342211

Technical Cable Jointer

342212

Business Machine Mechanic

342311

Communications Operator

342312

Electronic Equipment Trades Worker

342313

Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)

342314

Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)

342315

Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)

342411

Telecommunications Cable Jointer

342412

Telecommunications Linesworker

342413

Telecommunications Technician

342414

Baker

351111

Pastrycook

351112

Butcher or Smallgoods Maker (Excluding the activity of slaughtering animals, or primarily boning, slicing or packaging meat in a non-retail setting.)

351211

Cook

351411

Dog Handler or Trainer

361111

Horse Trainer

361112

Zookeeper

361114

Kennel Hand

361115

Animal Attendants and Trainers nec

361199

Shearer

361211

Veterinary Nurse

361311

Florist

362111

Gardener (General)

362211

Arborist

362212

Landscape Gardener

362213

Greenkeeper

362311

Nurseryperson

362411

Hairdresser

391111

Print Finisher

392111

Screen Printer

392112

Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker

392211

Printing Machinist

392311

Small Offset Printer

392312

Canvas Goods Fabricator

393111

Leather Goods Maker

393112

Sail Maker

393113

Shoemaker

393114

Apparel Cutter

393211

Clothing Patternmaker

393212

Dressmaker or Tailor

393213

Clothing Trades Workers nec

393299

Upholsterer

393311

Cabinetmaker

394111

Furniture Finisher

394211

Picture Framer

394212

Wood Machinist

394213

Wood Turner

394214

Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers nec

394299

Boat Builder and Repairer

399111

Shipwright

399112

Chemical Plant Operator

399211

Gas or Petroleum Operator

399212

Power Generation Plant Operator

399213

Jeweller

399411

Broadcast Transmitter Operator

399511

Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)

399512

Light Technician

399513

Make Up Artist

399514

Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer

399515

Sound Technician

399516

Television Equipment Operator

399517

Performing Arts Technicians nec

399599

Signwriter

399611

Diver

399911

Optical Dispenser

399913

Optical Mechanic

399914

Plastics Technician

399916

Wool Classer

399917

Fire Protection Equipment Technician

399918

Technicians and Trades Workers nec

399999

Diversional Therapist

411311

Enrolled Nurse

411411

Mothercraft Nurse

411412

Defence Force Member – Other Ranks

441111

Emergency Service Worker

441211

Fire Fighter

441212

Prison Officer

442111

Driving Instructor

451211

Funeral Workers nec

451399

Flight Attendant

451711

Travel Attendants nec

451799

First Aid Trainer

451815

Diving Instructor (Open Water)

452311

Gymnastics Coach or Instructor

452312

Horse Riding Coach or Instructor

452313

Snowsport Instructor

452314

Swimming Coach or Instructor

452315

Tennis Coach

452316

Other Sports Coach or Instructor

452317

Dog or Horse Racing Official

452318

Sports Umpire

452322

Other Sports Official

452323

Footballer

452411

Golfer

452412

Jockey

452413

Sportspersons nec

452499

Insurance Investigator

599611

Insurance Loss Adjuster

599612

Insurance Risk Surveyor

599613

Clinical Coder

599915

Auctioneer

611111

Stock and Station Agent

611112

Insurance Agent

611211

Business Broker

612111

Property Manager

612112

Real Estate Agent

612114

Real Estate Representative

612115

Retail Buyer

639211

Wool Buyer

639212

Driller

712211

If you are interested to apply under the Skilled Migration Program, you may book an appointment for personalised advice. Alternatively, attend our seminar for an overview of procedures in migrating to Australia from Singapore.

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News

Labour Market Testing Introduced for 457 Visa Application

Labour Market Testing Introduced for 457 Visa Application

From 23 November 2013, employers in Australia who are keen to sponsor for 457 visas are required to meet the requirements of the newly introduced Labour Market Testing (LMT) in order to employ workers from overseas.

This aims to ensure that the subclass 457 visa program will be used by businesses only when there is no suitable candidate that is available in the local labour market to fill a job vacancy.

What is a 457 Visa?

A 457 visa is a temporary work visa that allows employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers to work in Australia up to four years. A 457 visa holder is allowed to bring his/her family to work or study in Australia and travel in and out of Australia as often as they want.

Who consists of the local labour market?

Australian Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents (PR).

How will the Labour Market Testing be Conducted?

If required, Australian employers must provide evidence of testing the local labour market first through advertising and other recruitment efforts before lodging sponsorship for an overseas worker.

The sponsoring employer must:

  • Provide information about where those advertisements/recruitment activities took place, the dates they occurred and the geographic target audience of the advertising/recruitment efforts
  • Provide information about the outcome of those activities
  • Provide the reasons why no local candidate is qualified for the nominated occupation
  • Provide meet all requirements of the LMT in the twelve month period prior to lodging the sponsorship

Use of company websites and social media (such as Facebook) to advertise a job vacancy is acceptable while paid advertising is not required.

Affected Occupations and Exemptions

The following occupations are affected:

  • Engineers
  • Nurses
  • Some trade occupations
  • Some technical occupations

There are however exemptions for the above occupations. Click here to view complete list of occupations affected and exemptions to LMT.

Summary:

The impact of of Labour Market Testing is minimal especially if you are from the Asia-Pacific region. But if your sponsoring employer does not fall to any exemptions to the LMT, additional requirements must be met that may delay the approval of your 457 visa application.

If you have further questions concerning your Australian visa application or plans in migrating to Australia, please contact us for a professional consultation schedule.

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News

Number of Long-Term Immigrants in Australia Hits Record High

Number of Long-Term Immigrants in Australia Hits Record High

Australia is continuing to experience a surge on the number of long term-immigration as arrivals from January 2011 to August 2013 increased by 55%.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that in the year to August 2013, there were 680,200 arrivals into Australia where 308,760 are net long-term arrivals – a new record.

In addition, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection stated that 30% of workers on temporary work visas end up becoming permanent residents, indicating actual permanent immigration remains at relatively high levels.

Meanwhile, Shadow Minister Scott Morrison has declared that the Coalition government will support a skilled migration program that will help restore investor confidence in the national resource industry, in an address to the AMMA Migration Forum in Brisbane.

AMMA chief executive Steve Knott welcomed Mr. Morrison’s comments. “Our industry is a small user of skilled migrants. Around 97% of the national industry’s workforce is local workers and this has been consistent over the past five years,” Mr. Knott said.

“The industry goes to extreme lengths to employ locals first, but we still have a small but critical number of skills shortages in key areas and will continue to have these in the next couple of years.”

With the recent change of government from Labor to Coalition from 7 September 2013, we can expect a very different approach to the immigration policy. If you have concerns about your plans to migrate to Australia, contact NTRUST at +65 6299 0245 for advice or register for our upcoming seminar in Singapore.

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Scott Morrison Named as Australia’s New Minister for Immigration

Scott Morrison Named as Australia’s New Minister for Immigration

Australia’s conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott has unveiled his first Cabinet and among the members is Scott Morrison, the new Minister for Immigration & Border Protection.

He will replace Tony Burke who held the position for 79 days, from 1 July 2013 to 18 September 2013.

“I am proud to be the first Member for Cook to serve in Cabinet”, Mr. Morrison said.

“As a member of Cabinet in the Abbott Government, I will provide the shire with an even stronger voice in Canberra, to help make our community an even better place to live and raise a family”, he added.

Scott Morrison, 45, was the Managing Director of Tourism Australia from 2004 to 2006 before entering the Parliament. In 2007, he was first elected to the House of Representatives for Cook in New South Wales.

Below is the complete line-up of the new cabinet:

Cabinet (19 Members)

NAME

TITLE

Tony Abbott

Prime Minister

Warren Truss

Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development

Julie Bishop

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Eric Abetz

Minister for Employment

George Brandis

Minister for Arts

Joe Hockey

Minister for Treasurer

Barnaby Joyce

Minister for Agriculture

Christopher Pyne

Minister for Education

Nigel Scullion

Minister for Indigenous Affairs

Ian Macfarlane

Minister for Industry

Kevin Andrews

Minister for Social Services

Malcolm Turnbull

Minister for Communications

Peter Dutton

Minister for Health; Minister for Sport

Bruce Billson

Minister for Small Business

Andrew Robb

Minister for Trade and Investment

David Johnston

Minister for Defence

Greg Hunt

Minister for Environment

Scott Morrison

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

Mathias Cormann

Minister for Finance

Outer Ministers (11 Members)

NAME

TITLE

Mitch Fifield

Assistant Minister for Social Services

Luke Hartsuyker

Assistant Minister for Employment

Fiona Nash

Assistant Minister for Health

Michael Ronaldson

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC; Special Minister of State

Sussan Ley

Assistant Minister for Education

Marise Payne

Minister for Human Services

Michael Keenan

Minister for Justice

Stuart Robert

Assistant Minister for Defence

Michaelia Cash

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women

Jamie Briggs

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development

Arthur Sinodinos

Assistant Treasurer

Parliamentary Secretaries (12 Members)

NAME

TITLE

Richard Colbeck

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture

Bob Baldwin

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Brett Mason

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Steven Ciobo

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services

Simon Birmingham

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Scott Ryan

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education

Darren Chester

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence

Paul Fletcher

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications

Josh Frydenberg

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Alan Tudge

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minster

Michael McCormack

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance

NTRUST is Singapore’s leading Australia immigration specialist since 2003. If you have any concerns on your Australian visa application, please contact us for advice on how to take matters forward.