Recent layoffs at major companies like Google, Tesla, and Walmart have impacted many immigrant workers on H-1B visas. The good news is, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has just announced new guidelines offering these individuals options to extend their stay in the US.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services release new guidelines

America is often called the land of the free the history remains divided on that. The present is far more complex the country is not for the free certainly not for immigrants an issue that has been on voters' minds in recent electoral history. Watch to know more!

US elections 2024: Immigration issue on the ballot

UK sent the first batch of asylum seekers to Rwanda, media reported on Tuesday, a week after adopting a controversial law allowing irregular migrants to be deported to the East African country.

UK sends back first asylum seeker to Rwanda, asylum seeker deported under voluntary scheme

The U.K. govt said recently it was considering a scheme to send rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda voluntarily and will reportedly pay them up to £3,000 ($3,800) to make the move. Watch to know more.

UK's crackdown on illegal migration, to deport illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock.&nbsp;

<h2>About EU’s historic pact</h2>

“History made,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a post on X after the passage of all 10 parts of the European Union Asylum and Migration Pact.&nbsp;

The adoption of the new rules comes after nearly a decade of negotiations between member states and has been in the works since 2015.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;EU lawmakers vote on migration system

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According to the European Commission’s website, the pact is based on four main pillars: secure external borders; fast and efficient procedures; an effective system of solidarity and responsibility; and embedding migration in international partnerships.&nbsp;

In line with the new rules, the existing database will be turned into a “a fully-fledged asylum and migration database,” which will not only count applications but also applicants, said the EU.&nbsp;

It would also implement controversial measures like collecting details including facial images, identity data, and copies of identity/travel documents from children as young as six, and people might also get detained during screening.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-target-four-vessels-including-alleged-us-warship-in-gulf-of-aden-709948">Houthis target four vessels, including US warship, in Gulf of Aden</a>

Countries would also be allowed to deport those who cannot provide proof that they require protection. However, they will be provided with support for “reintegration into their home countries,” said the EU Commission.&nbsp;

The package, as per the EU officials, also includes measures to protect asylum seekers from abuse and urges countries to ensure adequate living conditions for them, while strengthening safeguards and guarantees and improving integration processes.&nbsp;

In line with the new rules, asylum seekers must apply for international protection in the EU country they first arrive in and stay there until their application is being considered. “The new framework ensures that EU countries will receive the solidarity needed,” says the Commission.&nbsp;

The pact would also embed “migration in international partnerships to prevent irregular departures and loss of life, fight migrant smuggling, reinforce cooperation on readmission and promote legal pathways,” said the EU.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Vote no!’</h2>

The passage of the pact was not without its opposition as the proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but loud group of protesters who wore shirts marked “this pact kills” and shouted “vote no!” reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-elon-musks-starlink-terminals-helping-russia-in-war-against-ukraine-709914">Are Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals helping Russia in war against Ukraine?</a>

The 27 nations of the bloc must now endorse the reform package before it can take effect. The pact has been criticised by anti-immigration, eurosceptic and right-wing parties who say that it is not stringent enough.&nbsp;

On the other hand, many leftists and rights activists have lambasted the pact as a major blow to human rights. The activists have said that the pact would allow for large-scale internment, including of children, and even allow member states to opt out of hosting new arrivals.&nbsp;

Rights groups have also criticised the EU for asking foreign states to handle migrants without what they say would be sufficient rights safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock.

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock. About EU’s historic pact “History made,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a post on X after the passage of all 10 parts of the European Union Asylum and Migration Pact. The adoption of the new rules comes after nearly a decade of negotiations between member states and has been in the works since 2015. WATCH | EU lawmakers vote on migration system According to the European Commission’s website, the pact is based on four main pillars: secure external borders; fast and efficient procedures; an effective system of solidarity and responsibility; and embedding migration in international partnerships. In line with the new rules, the existing database will be turned into a “a fully-fledged asylum and migration database,” which will not only count applications but also applicants, said the EU. It would also implement controversial measures like collecting details including facial images, identity data, and copies of identity/travel documents from children as young as six, and people might also get detained during screening. Also Read | Houthis target four vessels, including US warship, in Gulf of Aden Countries would also be allowed to deport those who cannot provide proof that they require protection. However, they will be provided with support for “reintegration into their home countries,” said the EU Commission. The package, as per the EU officials, also includes measures to protect asylum seekers from abuse and urges countries to ensure adequate living conditions for them, while strengthening safeguards and guarantees and improving integration processes. In line with the new rules, asylum seekers must apply for international protection in the EU country they first arrive in and stay there until their application is being considered. “The new framework ensures that EU countries will receive the solidarity needed,” says the Commission. The pact would also embed “migration in international partnerships to prevent irregular departures and loss of life, fight migrant smuggling, reinforce cooperation on readmission and promote legal pathways,” said the EU. ‘Vote no!’ The passage of the pact was not without its opposition as the proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but loud group of protesters who wore shirts marked “this pact kills” and shouted “vote no!” reported the Associated Press. Also Read | Are Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals helping Russia in war against Ukraine? The 27 nations of the bloc must now endorse the reform package before it can take effect. The pact has been criticised by anti-immigration, eurosceptic and right-wing parties who say that it is not stringent enough. On the other hand, many leftists and rights activists have lambasted the pact as a major blow to human rights. The activists have said that the pact would allow for large-scale internment, including of children, and even allow member states to opt out of hosting new arrivals. Rights groups have also criticised the EU for asking foreign states to handle migrants without what they say would be sufficient rights safeguards. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock

The US has increased its visa fee for H1-B, L-1, and EB-5 categories, which are among the most common visa types applied by Indians. Watch in for more details!

US increases immigration fees for various Visa categories

Americans' approval for President Joe Biden's job performance has declined three percentage points to 38%, one point shy of his all-time low and considerably below the 50% threshold that has historically resulted in reelection for incumbents. Watch to know more.

US: Joe Biden faces abysmal approval slump rating on immigration

Tensions between Texas Troopers and migrants escalated on the US side of the border near El Paso. The Texas Troopers fired non-lethal projectiles into a crowd that was attempting to dismantle razor wire barriers.

US-Mexico border: Tensions with migrants escalate on the border near El Paso

The Supreme Court has allowed the state of Texas to enforce a law that gives the police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing the border. Watch in for more details!

Rifts emerge in US-Mexico ties, Mexico pushes back on Texas' anti-migration law

Hours after the US Supreme Court had allowed the strict new immigration law to take effect, a federal appeals court late on Tuesday issued an order that again prevents Texas from arresting migrants suspected of entering the US legally. Our next report will get you the details.

US: Texas' new immigration law blocked

US: Biden administration says 'Senate Bill 4' a clear violation of federal authority

There was a 60% increase in Indian nationals making the dangerous English Channel crossing on small boats in 2023. Office of National Statistics' latest data, released Thursday, shows that in 2023, 1,192 Indians arrived in UK illegally on small boats.

60% surge in Indians' illegal immigration to UK: Report

In a new immigration scandal, it has emerged that the so-called 'high-risk' passengers and their planes are landing in Britain without going through the necessary security checks that means the passengers categorised as high-risk reach the London airport.

UK: 'High-risk flights' land in the UK without going through security checks

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has called for the urgent relocation of 61 asylum seekers stranded on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia for over two years. The development was first reported by The Guardian and the BBC. 
<img alt="Diego Garcia is located 9,457 km from London" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="953f0bd3-c567-4d8e-8ada-942aaea4cbc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-18T194705.088.png" />

Diego Garcia is located 9,457 km from London | Google Maps

The asylum seekers reportedly consist of Tamils from Sri Lanka. They have reportedly faced violence, abuse, and arbitrary detention during the last two years.

The UN inspection, sanctioned by the Supreme Court of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), revealed that the asylum seekers, under the "effective control" of the UK government, were subjected to conditions of "arbitrary detention". The UN said that these individuals must be moved promptly.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-be-included-in-uk-safe-states-list-no-asylum-rights-for-countrys-illegal-migrants-656963">India to be included in UK safe states list, no asylum rights for country's illegal migrants</a>

The asylum seekers arrived on Diego Garcia in October 2021 after their boat, en route to Canada for asylum, encountered difficulties, whose nature could not be immediately ascertained.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the UN report say?</h2>

The damning UN report highlighted accusations of sexual harassment and abuse against women and children within the asylum-seeking&nbsp;group, along with increased levels of mental distress and conditions akin to abetment of suicide.&nbsp;

Of particular concern, the detention of 16 children among the 61 was labelled as "particularly troubling," prompting a call for their transfer to the UK if found in need of international protection.

<h2>How asylum seekers are being kept in detention?</h2>

The asylum seekers are confined to a fenced-in area equivalent to a football pitch, guarded by G4S staff.

The G4S is a UK-based private security and facility services company.

The asylum seekers are not allowed to cook for themselves and have suffered rat bites, as the rodents, described as "ubiquitous" on the island, gnaw holes in their tents.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK Asylum seeker suspected to be 'Russian spy' found to have 'worked for MI6'

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Conditions in Diego Garcia were vividly described by one mother as "living in hell," according to the UN report accessed by British media publications. The report disclosed that a guard dog could roam outside the fence while the children remained confined.

The UK government maintains that Diego Garcia is part of the British Indian Overseas Territory, administered from London but constitutionally separate from the UK. In contrast, the UN General Assembly designates the island as part of Mauritius.

The UNHCR report surfaced during a case in the British Indian Ocean Territories' supreme court, where a group of asylum seekers argued their treatment on the island constituted unlawful detention.&nbsp;

UK Foreign Office spokesperson told the British media that BIOT is not a suitable location for migrants.&nbsp;

"BIOT is not a suitable location for migrants, which is why we have been working tirelessly to process the migrants’ claims for protection and to find a suitable third country for those whose claims are upheld. At all times, the welfare and safety of migrants on BIOT has been our top priority," The Guardian quoted the UK Foreign Office as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has called for the urgent relocation of 61 asylum seekers stranded on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia for over two years.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has called for the urgent relocation of 61 asylum seekers stranded on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia for over two years. The development was first reported by The Guardian and the BBC. Diego Garcia is located 9,457 km from London | Google Maps The asylum seekers reportedly consist of Tamils from Sri Lanka. They have reportedly faced violence, abuse, and arbitrary detention during the last two years. The UN inspection, sanctioned by the Supreme Court of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), revealed that the asylum seekers, under the "effective control" of the UK government, were subjected to conditions of "arbitrary detention". The UN said that these individuals must be moved promptly. Also read | India to be included in UK safe states list, no asylum rights for country's illegal migrants The asylum seekers arrived on Diego Garcia in October 2021 after their boat, en route to Canada for asylum, encountered difficulties, whose nature could not be immediately ascertained. What does the UN report say? The damning UN report highlighted accusations of sexual harassment and abuse against women and children within the asylum-seeking group, along with increased levels of mental distress and conditions akin to abetment of suicide. Of particular concern, the detention of 16 children among the 61 was labelled as "particularly troubling," prompting a call for their transfer to the UK if found in need of international protection. How asylum seekers are being kept in detention? The asylum seekers are confined to a fenced-in area equivalent to a football pitch, guarded by G4S staff. The G4S is a UK-based private security and facility services company. The asylum seekers are not allowed to cook for themselves and have suffered rat bites, as the rodents, described as "ubiquitous" on the island, gnaw holes in their tents. Also watch | UK Asylum seeker suspected to be 'Russian spy' found to have 'worked for MI6' × Conditions in Diego Garcia were vividly described by one mother as "living in hell," according to the UN report accessed by British media publications. The report disclosed that a guard dog could roam outside the fence while the children remained confined. The UK government maintains that Diego Garcia is part of the British Indian Overseas Territory, administered from London but constitutionally separate from the UK. In contrast, the UN General Assembly designates the island as part of Mauritius. The UNHCR report surfaced during a case in the British Indian Ocean Territories' supreme court, where a group of asylum seekers argued their treatment on the island constituted unlawful detention. UK Foreign Office spokesperson told the British media that BIOT is not a suitable location for migrants. "BIOT is not a suitable location for migrants, which is why we have been working tirelessly to process the migrants’ claims for protection and to find a suitable third country for those whose claims are upheld. At all times, the welfare and safety of migrants on BIOT has been our top priority," The Guardian quoted the UK Foreign Office as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Asylum-seeking Sri Lankan Tamils stuck on British island for two years face abuse, violence: UN report

Lawyers for the Biden administration and Texas faced off in a federal court in Austin on Thursday to argue whether a new state law that would allow police to arrest people suspected of crossing the Texas-Mexico border illegally should go into effect next month.

US Court to decide on Texas immigration bill

Texas Governor to build military base near US-Mexico border | US-Mexico Migrant Crisis

US court to decide on Texas Immigration bill | US-Mexico Migrant Crisis

The United States' Texas governor has vowed to defy the Biden Administration and maintain State control of a US border hotspot as long as it takes while the Biden Administration has maintained that border control Falls strictly under Federal jurisdiction.

US-Mexico border crisis | Democrats and Republicans spar over migrant crisis

China has accused the United States of targeting arriving Chinese students “for political purposes” and trying to turn some of them into spies. Watch in the report for more details!

China to US: Stop targeting our students

Nearly 3,000 migrants are sleeping in tents in an island park near New York where people camping in the cold are among the latest temporary inhabitants of Randall's Island. It is New York's largest shelter for Asylum Seekers that now struggles to make space for incoming immigrants.

New York struggles to house rising numbers of immigrants

Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians.

In the year 2023, Canada had granted over a million study permits, which is roughly three times that of what was a decade ago, as per the government data.

The new proposal will slash the intake by nearly a third in 2024 as it aims to approve 364,000 undergraduate study permits, reducing the number by 35 per cent from last year.

The limit of 2025 will be reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news.

<h2>What did Immigration Minister Marc Miller say?</h2>

While addressing a press conference earlier on Monday, Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller highlighted that the move by the federal government would help them with an opportunity to tackle the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions.

"These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said.

“It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-announces-two-year-cap-on-international-students-how-will-it-affect-indians-682574">&nbsp;Canada announces two-year cap on international students</a>

He&nbsp;then mentioned that for the current year, the cap will result in the approval of 364,000 study permits, with the country witnessing a reduction of 35 per cent in the approval of visas from what was in 2023.

"For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said.

He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted.

"In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Canada's education sector failing?

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&nbsp;

<h2>Who will be impacted?</h2>

The students who had plans to pursue various courses in Canada would be the worst affected by the new norms announced by the government.

Not only this, many educational institutions that had grown their campuses in the hopes of continuing to attract students may suffer as a result of the move as the Canadian economy receives an estimated yearly contribution of C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) from international students.

As per news agency Reuters reports, restaurants across Canada are struggling with&nbsp;a shortage of labour with approximately 100,000 vacancies as foreign students have so far made up 4.6% of the 1.1 million workers in the food service sector in 2023.

Even Canadian banks have profited from the influx of new students as it is mandatory for each student to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth more than C$20,000 so that they can pay for their living expenses.

However, the cap will not apply to students in graduate-level programmes, including master's or doctoral studies.&nbsp;

Also, the ones having study permits at the elementary and secondary school levels will be exempted.

"To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada."

<h2>Work permit situation</h2>

The new measures will also impose certain limitations on post-graduate work permits granted to international students which will most likely push them to go back to their home countries.

Work permits will only be made available to the spouses of foreign students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible, Miller said. The acceptance of new study permit applications in 2025 will be subject to reassessment at the end of the current year, he said.

"In the coming weeks we will be announcing that open work permits will only be allowed and be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes as well as those enrolled in professional programmes, such as medicine and law. Spouses of students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programmes, will no longer be eligible [for work permits]," the Canadian immigration minister said.

In the past, the permits were viewed as a simple way to get permanent residency. Individuals who are enrolled in post-doctoral or master's programmes qualify for a three-year work permit.

<h2>How will it affect Indians?</h2>

Canada, in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country.

Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022.

As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians.

Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians. In the year 2023, Canada had granted over a million study permits, which is roughly three times that of what was a decade ago, as per the government data. The new proposal will slash the intake by nearly a third in 2024 as it aims to approve 364,000 undergraduate study permits, reducing the number by 35 per cent from last year. The limit of 2025 will be reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news. What did Immigration Minister Marc Miller say? While addressing a press conference earlier on Monday, Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller highlighted that the move by the federal government would help them with an opportunity to tackle the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions. "These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said. “It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added. Also read: Canada announces two-year cap on international students He then mentioned that for the current year, the cap will result in the approval of 364,000 study permits, with the country witnessing a reduction of 35 per cent in the approval of visas from what was in 2023. "For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said. He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted. "In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said. WATCH | Gravitas: Is Canada's education sector failing? × Who will be impacted? The students who had plans to pursue various courses in Canada would be the worst affected by the new norms announced by the government. Not only this, many educational institutions that had grown their campuses in the hopes of continuing to attract students may suffer as a result of the move as the Canadian economy receives an estimated yearly contribution of C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) from international students. As per news agency Reuters reports, restaurants across Canada are struggling with a shortage of labour with approximately 100,000 vacancies as foreign students have so far made up 4.6% of the 1.1 million workers in the food service sector in 2023. Even Canadian banks have profited from the influx of new students as it is mandatory for each student to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth more than C$20,000 so that they can pay for their living expenses. However, the cap will not apply to students in graduate-level programmes, including master's or doctoral studies. Also, the ones having study permits at the elementary and secondary school levels will be exempted. "To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada." Work permit situation The new measures will also impose certain limitations on post-graduate work permits granted to international students which will most likely push them to go back to their home countries. Work permits will only be made available to the spouses of foreign students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible, Miller said. The acceptance of new study permit applications in 2025 will be subject to reassessment at the end of the current year, he said. "In the coming weeks we will be announcing that open work permits will only be allowed and be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes as well as those enrolled in professional programmes, such as medicine and law. Spouses of students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programmes, will no longer be eligible [for work permits]," the Canadian immigration minister said. In the past, the permits were viewed as a simple way to get permanent residency. Individuals who are enrolled in post-doctoral or master's programmes qualify for a three-year work permit. How will it affect Indians? Canada, in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country. Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022. As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Canada's new visa norms and their impact on Indian students

Australia announced its decision to end a major visa programme that was targeted at attracting wealthy investors.

Affluent overseas investors were granted the right to live in the country under the plan dubbed as "golden visa" scheme.

The Australian government decided to terminate it in an immigration overhaul after it was found that the visa programme was not delivering the desired economic outcomes.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, on Monday (Jan 22), released a statement saying, "It has been obvious for years that this visa is not delivering what our country and economy needs."

“The investor visa is one of many aspects of the system which are reforming to create a system which delivers for our country,” the Home Affairs Minister added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-moon-sniper-switched-off-space-agency-says-data-transmission-completed-682353">Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed</a>

Australia’s centre-left Labor government, in the month of December, unveiled a new immigration plan that was designed to reduce the number of new arrivals in the country to pre-COVID levels.

It also focused on creating more visas for the skilled migrants who were capable "of making outsized contributions to Australia" and could fill up the growing gaps in the world's sixth-largest country's economy.

The scheme has over the years been critiqued over "corrupt officials" exploiting it to "park illicit funds".

Unlike other visa schemes, the golden visa did not require people to speak or learn the English language and did not have any age limit. However, it was mandatory for the people seeking permanent residency to invest a total of $5 million in Australia.

<h2>85% of successful applicants came from China</h2>

The critics have long argued that the visa scheme created a swift path for Chinese millionaires into the country, who comprised more than 85 per cent of the successful applications.

As per local media reports, the visa subclass was given the number 888, which stands for ­triple good luck in Chinese ­numerology.

First launched in the year 2012 by then-Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) was first divided into two categories, the Business Innovation Stream and investor streams.

As per the Home Affairs Department, since 2012, over 100,000 overseas migrants have made use of the program to gain residency in the country.

O’Neil in the year 2022, had hinted at plans to review the visa scheme.

“It’s actually costing us on average for every person, because these are people who are generally coming in at quite a late stage of their life, often at the end of their business career and coming to Australia, basically to settle down and retire,” she said at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia announced its decision to end a major visa programme that was targeted at attracting wealthy investors. Affluent overseas investors were granted the right to live in the country under the plan dubbed as "golden visa" scheme.

Australia announced its decision to end a major visa programme that was targeted at attracting wealthy investors. Affluent overseas investors were granted the right to live in the country under the plan dubbed as "golden visa" scheme. The Australian government decided to terminate it in an immigration overhaul after it was found that the visa programme was not delivering the desired economic outcomes. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, on Monday (Jan 22), released a statement saying, "It has been obvious for years that this visa is not delivering what our country and economy needs." “The investor visa is one of many aspects of the system which are reforming to create a system which delivers for our country,” the Home Affairs Minister added. Also read: Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed Australia’s centre-left Labor government, in the month of December, unveiled a new immigration plan that was designed to reduce the number of new arrivals in the country to pre-COVID levels. It also focused on creating more visas for the skilled migrants who were capable "of making outsized contributions to Australia" and could fill up the growing gaps in the world's sixth-largest country's economy. The scheme has over the years been critiqued over "corrupt officials" exploiting it to "park illicit funds". Unlike other visa schemes, the golden visa did not require people to speak or learn the English language and did not have any age limit. However, it was mandatory for the people seeking permanent residency to invest a total of $5 million in Australia. 85% of successful applicants came from China The critics have long argued that the visa scheme created a swift path for Chinese millionaires into the country, who comprised more than 85 per cent of the successful applications. As per local media reports, the visa subclass was given the number 888, which stands for triple good luck in Chinese numerology. First launched in the year 2012 by then-Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) was first divided into two categories, the Business Innovation Stream and investor streams. As per the Home Affairs Department, since 2012, over 100,000 overseas migrants have made use of the program to gain residency in the country. O’Neil in the year 2022, had hinted at plans to review the visa scheme. “It’s actually costing us on average for every person, because these are people who are generally coming in at quite a late stage of their life, often at the end of their business career and coming to Australia, basically to settle down and retire,” she said at the time. (With inputs from agencies)

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