Canada immigration system is “fairly positive”

Majority of respondents in cross-country consultations have given Canada’s immigration system “a fairly positive view,” according to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) news release.

“They have identified immigration as a critical way to meet labor market needs, citing economic factors as among the most important considerations when establishing immigration levels, followed by integration concerns. Participants have also highlighted the importance of family reunification.” Read more

Australia targets unregistered migration advice syndicate

A criminal syndicate providing unregistered migration advice to foreign nationals has been shut down following a police operation in Perth, Australia on August 25.

According to a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) press release, the scheme’s unregistered migration agents claimed to be able to arrange “working visas” for non-citizens. Read more

How 2 Come to the UK | By CYNTHIA BARKER

More challenges for Tier 4 students due to 3-year rule

LONDON, the United Kingdom–As if international students do not have enough to worry about, many are now being hit by the new hurdle: the “three-year rule.” ... Read more

A young girl’s heroic act

BY MARIA DIVINA SOLANO

As Typhoon Juaning wreaked havoc in Albay on July 26, 2011, a 12-year-old girl risked her life to save the Philippine flag from being consumed by the flood.

The whole nation praised Janela Arcos Lelis for her heroic act. After all, in recent history, it’s the only recorded instance of a person risking life and limb for the national flag. Read more

More skilled migrants accepted in Australia

Skilled migration in regional Australia has increased to record numbers, said the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, according to a media release early this month.

Releasing the final outcomes for the 2010–2011 Migration Program, Bowen said the Gillard Government’s ongoing skilled migration reforms were ensuring that critical skills needs in high-demand sectors and regional areas were being addressed. Read more

PH statement on Libya

Posted on the DFA website
August 24, 2011... Read more

Returning OFWs should avail of Korean support services — Baldoz

Labor chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz encouraged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from Korea under the Korean Employment Permit System (EPS) to avail of the support services offered by the Korean Ministry of Labor and Employment under its Happy Return Program.

According to a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) press release, Baldoz said: “The Happy Return Program offers EPS workers returning to the Philippines free business and skills training… for their successful reintegration to their country of origin.” Read more

DFA statement on the situation in Libya

In light of the recent developments on the ground in Libya, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert F del Rosario instructed DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis to proceed to Tripoli on August 12 to convince the remaining Filipinos to avail of the repatriation being arranged by the Philippine Embassy. He was to visit neighboring towns and hospitals, and to arrange for the repatriation of Filipinos who are prepared to leave Libya. Read more

Become a visionary

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Upon employment, Filipinos have one thing in common: paying compulsory government contributions and taxes. These include the SSS (Social Security System) for those in the private sector, GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) for those in government, PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance), Pag-IBIG (or Home Development Mutual Fund) and, of course, withholding taxes.

These contributions and taxes are intended not only to finance government projects, but also members’ hospital fees and pension benefits. Read more

The rewards of Ramadan

BY ART LOS BAÑOS

When this piece goes online, the Middle East and other Islamic countries will be celebrating the last days of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

For Muslims, the last days have two important observations: it is the day when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and it is also during this period when men and women commit to Itikaf (seclusion) in the mosque as they detach themselves from the materialistic world. Read more

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