Immigration News Weekly Round-up 02 August 2009

Reporting this week from Manila where arrangements for the funeral of former President Cory Aquino are under way.

I have been speaking at the MOVE Migration Expo, which attracted thousands of people hoping to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA.

The first MOVE Expo has been a spectacular success, according to organisers IVC (Immigrant Visa Centre). Director Crispin Aranda said that around 6000 people attended the two day programme, which had expert speakers covering a wide cross section of subjects gave informative break out sessions speeches on Migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA and the UK. 

Several speakers spoke of Tier 4 student visas and British course to enable Filipinos to up-skill themselves to increase their international marketability. 

Others speakers included; Zenalyn Ablao from AG Finance, Rusty Francisco, of NC-LEX. 

The packed crowd of hopeful migrants visited over 65 stands in the huge new SMX Convention Centre, part of the Mall of Asia complex, the largest shopping mall in Asia. 

The US and Canada was the obvious first choice for most enquirers, but there is an increasing interest in Australia and New Zealand where the immigration system is more open and attractive to skilled workers. 

Both Australia and Canada offer faster and more flexible routes to settlement than the UK, which has recently introduced the Border Immigration and Citizenship Act which will eventually increase the number of years of required work to apply for residency from five eight.

Britain’s proposed ‘Pathway to Citizenship’ is more like a road to purgatory compared with settlement rules in Canada, Australia and even the United States.

In Canada, even lower skilled fast food counter workers on work permits can apply for residency after six months in some states.

Australia even allows graduating students to apply for residency, in a bid to retain talent.

UK NVQ student schemes attracted huge interest among the hundreds of nursing graduates looking to learn new skills to enhance their career prospects abroad. 

Saturday speakers included: Crispin Aranda of IVC, Charles Kelly of Immigration Matters, Banco de Oro, AG Finance on student loans, Philippine Nurses Association and the British Council.

The organisers say they will run a second show in February 2010.

MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS THIS WEEK:

WWW.IMMIGRATIONMATTERS.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS

Judge condemns Government’s ‘lax’ immigration policy

A Crown Court Judge condemned the Government’s immigration policy and lack of border controls whilst passing sentence on an illegal immigrant this week. 

Senior Surgeon calls for Immigration Rule change on Doctors

The BBC reports that a senior surgeon is calling for immigration rules for overseas doctors to be changed to allow for increased recruitment of middle-grade medics, but the UKBA say the points based system is flexible enough.

Points based system to fully support recruitment of international students says Lord Mandelson

Lord Mandelson has assured the education sector that he will ensure that the points based system for student visas supports the UK education sector.

Immigration Officers strike threatens airport chaos

The walk out by immigration officers bound to cause delays for non-EU travellers, where long queues are the norm, especially migrant workers and students arriving at major ports.

Would you live in Scotland to earn a British Passport?

Despite the negative press, the idea of allowing immigration to counter emigration from areas of the UK seems to make sense. Similar schemes are used to attract people to live in less popular parts of Canada and Australia.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/