Australian Immigration Daily News

New five year migration agreement set to help boost NT population - Flow of skilled migrants to NT will continue, with signing of five year bilateral agreement to help employers fill skills shortages

The Federal Government and Northern Territory Government will this week sign a new five year Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), ahead of the expiration of the first, groundbreaking DAMA between the two jurisdictions on December 31.

The current DAMA between the Federal and NT Governments was the first in Australia where a broader range of shortage occupations was available than those identified in standard skilled migration programs.

DAMA II will offer the further incentive of a pathway to permanent residency for DAMA visa holders, in a bid to attract more skilled migrants to the Territory and help boost its population.

Source: DAMA-NT-5-year-agreement.pdf

Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) prides its health cover offering on providing the best customer service for students studying overseas. AGA cover aims to provide customers with peace of mind so that they can focus on their studies. 

AGA recently asked a few of their customers what they thought of their health cover.

Currently VETASSESS considers paid doctoral research level studies as valid employment for skills assessment purposes.
 
Please be advised that as of 15 December 2018, VETASSESS will not accept paid doctoral studies for skills assessment purposes, consistent with the Department of Home Affairs requirements. 

For skilled employment to be considered ‘remunerated’, applicants must be engaged in the occupation on a paid basis, generally at the award or market rate of the occupation. A person receiving minimal living allowances or scholarships designed to cover study expenses would not be considered to be 'remunerated'.
 
VETASSESS will continue to ensure that impact on its clients is minimised during the transition leading up to the implementation date. Applications received prior to 15 December 2018 will be processed according to the criteria at the time of applying.

For further information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Migration Alliance has recently teamed up with Facebook Group "Support Network for MARA Agents". 

This is a dedicated and purpose-built group just for Australian Registered Migration Agents.

This Facebook group is appealing because it is a closed group.  It has recruited the right people to administrate the posts, and it has clear guidelines about the type of conduct that is appropriate for members.   

Strong leadership of the group is provided by the Founder, RMA, Johanna Barnard.  

CONDITIONS OF DISTRIBUTION This is an uncorrected proof of evidence taken before the committee. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.

The following persons have been witnesses:

BIGIRIMANA, Ms Melita, Assistant Director, Overseas Students Ombudsman Team, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman