Immigration law

• Human capital and nation building: The new paradigm in Australia's migration policies 20 Mar 2012

  Australia’s ongoing success in the face of a world in financial crisis is due in part to its effective skilled migration policy. Maria Jockel outlines the SkillSelect system, the latest effort to keep up with business demand. read more

• Immigration: check your employees or pay the price 25 Jan 2012

  The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has sent out a stark warning of the significant risks faced by employers that fail to check the immigration status of their prospective employees. read more

• Proposed changes to the tax treatment of living away from home allowances 19 Jan 2012

  The Government has announced proposed changes to the tax treatment of living away from home allowances (LAFHA) that will have a significant impact on employers and temporary overseas workers. read more

• Transformation of immigration needed to solve skill crisis 01 Dec 2011

  The current immigration laws are out-dated and no longer serving the needs of Australia in light of the burgeoning skills shortage, according to a new discussion paper. read more

• Employers left to foot the bill 01 Dec 2011

  Recruitment agencies and employers reliant on overseas talent are facing tough times ahead after the announcement yesterday that the LAFHA will be phased out. read more

• New Visa sponsorship deal welcomed by employers 07 Nov 2011

  Significant changes have been made to the 457 Visa program, and the resources industry has said the revisions will means increased efficiencies in the way skilled migrants are sponsored. read more

• New Accreditation Program to Offer Priority Processing for Subclass 457 Applications from 7 November 04 Nov 2011

  Starting November 7, 2011, qualifying employers who have a positive history in their dealings with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), and an excellent record of compliance with workplace and migration laws may be able to apply for a new accredited sponsor status that will provide priority processing for subclass 457 nominations and visa applications. read more

• Understanding English Language Requirements for sponsored visas 10 Oct 2011

  Many Australian employers will need to hire foreign workers at some point, and understanding the rules around visas is vital. The English language skills requirements can be particularly confusing, and can lead to delays in recruitment and visa preparation. The information below explains these language requirements and the issues for some of the more commonly sponsored visas. read more

• Immigration warns of crackdown 05 Oct 2011

  Employers have been issues a stern warning by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship - severe penalties will be imposed for employing illegal workers. read more

• Exceptional Talent: New visa category for entry to the UK unlikely to help employers 14 Sep 2011

  On 9 August 2011, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) created a new ‘Exceptional Talent’ visa category for those who are ‘internationally recognised as world-leading or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts’. read more

• Underpaying worker leads to prosecution 17 Aug 2011

  Car service company Ultra Tune is facing hefty legal proceedings over allegedly underpaying a Perth employee by than $20,000. read more