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More Great News About Australian Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)

BOOSTING AUSTRALIA'S POPULATION: DAMA II MARKS SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

Northern Territory businesses sought to fill 520 positions with skilled migrants in 2019 – a 263 per cent year-on-year increase – following a major change to the NT’s Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

DAMA II, a bilateral agreement between the Northern Territory and Federal Governments, came into effect on January 1, 2019 with the inclusion of a pathway to permanent residency.

Unlike the first DAMA between the two jurisdictions, DAMA II visa holders can apply for permanent residency after working in the Territory for at least three years.

As a result of this inclusion, local businesses have requested to fill 520 positions with skilled migrants in the first year of DAMA II – almost equalling the 573 positions sought for the entire four years of the first DAMA.

So far, 52 local businesses have been endorsed by MigrationNT and have entered into Labour Agreements with the Department of Home Affairs. These businesses can now hire overseas workers in positions they have not been able to fill by Australians.

A further 37 businesses have received endorsement from MigrationNT and are working with Home Affairs in finalising Labour Agreements.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said his government advocated for the inclusion of the pathway to permanent residency in the second agreement, after listening to Territory business owners.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs for Territorians but access to, and retention of, a suitably skilled workforce is a key issue for many employers,” Mr Gunner said.

“That’s why our government fought hard for the inclusion of the pathway to permanent residency (PPR) in the DAMA II, to support our Territory businesses to fill job shortages with skilled international migrants and to keep workers in the Territory long term.”

The new agreement identifies 117 shortage occupations, which employers can apply to fill with skilled international workers, up by 36 on the first DAMA.

“We knew this new PPR and the addition of 36 extra occupations would appeal to Territory businesses and the huge increase in businesses seeking to fill positions with skilled migrants in the first year has proven it,” Mr Gunner said.

“Every Territorian benefits when we attract more people to the Territory. More people means more jobs and a stronger economy, which means better schools, better hospitals and more police.”

Employers who apply to fill positions with overseas nationals must first demonstrate they have been unable to fill the position locally.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the Federal Government is committed to supporting the growth of regional Australia, which includes all of the NT.

“Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps,” Mr Tudge said.

“DAMA II provides a platform for local businesses to access the skills they need to meet their specific workforce requirements, where they have demonstrated Australians are not available to fill those jobs.

“Importantly, by giving local businesses the tools to attract skilled workers and boost the population of regional areas, we create more local jobs and a thriving economy.”

The first four year DAMA between the Federal and NT Governments commenced in 2015 and was the first in Australia where a broader range of shortage occupations was available than those identified in standard skilled migration programs.

DAMA II is a five year agreement between the two jurisdictions.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian DAMA Visa - TSS 482 to 186 visa PR - Age English Salary + Occupations - DAMA NT SA VIC

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UK Recruitment Industry Reacts To Queen’s Speech

Proposed Legislation includes a new employment bill, a points-based immigration system for skilled workers, flexible working and a national skills fund

During the State Opening of Parliament in December, the Queen outlined a comprehensive list of the new government’s proposed legislation including a new employment bill, a points-based immigration system for skilled workers, flexible working and a national skills fund.

The proposed employment bill promises to protect and enhance workers’ rights when the UK leaves the EU. The government is also set to create a new single enforcement body to protect workers’ rights. Workers would also have the right to request a more stable contract. Flexible working would also be default, unless employers have a good reason not to allow this (this is subject to consultation).

The recruitment industry has reacted to the announcement.

Tom Hadley, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, said, “We hope the government’s employment bill will incentivise business compliance and increase fairness and flexibility in work. Two way flexibility, that supports businesses and workers’ choices, is vital to a fair and productive labour market. The challenge ahead is to ensure that this works for all parties.”

“The government’s recognition of the importance of all people being able to retrain is welcome,” Hadley continued. “Recruitment professionals are in a unique position to facilitate career transitions and progression, and to provide the latest insight into how skills needs are evolving. We look forward to ensuring that the National Skills Fund works for employers and workers alike.”

Tania Bowers, General Counsel at The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), also commented, “While it was confirmed that measures will be brought forward to encourage gig workers to request a “more predictable contract”, our members are keen to understand whether this right will be extended to non-permanent  agency workers, who by their nature are flexible.”

“We welcome the introduction of a National Skills Fund. However, while a commitment to ‘growing our own’ talent will help to mitigate against talent gaps in the future, in the interim access to skilled professionals from Europe and beyond must be maintained,” Bowers said.

“While today’s speech underlined a commitment to a ‘modern, fair, points-based immigration system’, Tier 2 Visas will continue to require a job offer. APSCo maintains that there must be a dedicated visa route as part of the future skills-based immigration system, through which highly skilled contractors from overseas can come to the UK and support British businesses. The abolition of the previous cap on numbers under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visas coupled with a new fast-track immigration scheme for top scientists and researchers, however, should help alleviate skills shortages in some of the most talent-short sectors,” Bowers continued.

Bowers also called for a rethink to incoming changes related to IR35, and added that APSCo believes it should be delayed ‘pending a further impact review and completion of an assessment on employment status.’

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

October 2019 Queen's Speech and State Opening of Parliament

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BLOG SERIES – WORKING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) – PART 5

How to get an Emirates ID & Sponsorship?

This is necessary to complete your visa application process. It is basically a digital national identification system that is required for most transactions in the UAE. It is linked to your passport and visa – it is part of a national centralized system.

Once this done, you just have to wait till your employer completes the process, has the residence visa affixed on your original passport. This can take anywhere from five days to a month, depends on your employer.  Once you have a visa, you can bring in your family dependent upon the required criteria being met.

Once you are done with your visa process, how can you get your family to the UAE?

Expatriate residents, can sponsor their families in the UAE provided they have a valid residency permit.  Male residents who are employed in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions, which include minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.  Since March 2019, the type of profession is no longer a condition for an expatriate worker to be able to sponsor his family visas.

Male residents who are employed in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions, which include minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Now, an expatriate can bring over his family members to the UAE and sponsor their residence visas regardless of his profession, as long as he maintains the ‘income criteria’ or the minimum wage requirement, which is a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation

Male residents who are employed in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions, which include minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Now, an expatriate can bring over his family members to the UAE and sponsor their residence visas regardless of his profession, as long as he maintains the ‘income criteria’ or the minimum wage requirement, which is a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

Further, if the father of the family is residing in the UAE and meets the conditions for sponsoring his children, the mother is not allowed to sponsor them.  A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for his dependents’ residence visa after they enter the UAE and modify their status from an entry permit holder to a resident visa holder.  Family members are issued visas for one or two years depending on the nature of the work and employment contract of the sponsoring member.

Sponsored residents except adult males who are continuing their education and sponsored parents can enjoy the same visa duration as their sponsors. For adult males and parents, the residence visa is granted on a yearly basis regardless of the sponsor’s visa duration.

An expatriate resident may sponsor the residence visa for his wife and children if he fulfils the sponsorship requirements set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).  To sponsor his wife, the expatriate resident must prove an existing marital relationship by submitting an authenticated marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic by a certified translator.

In strict cases, a Muslim resident may be allowed to sponsor his two wives, if he meets certain terms and conditions set by the respective GDRFA.

An expatriate resident can sponsor his daughter/s only if she/they is/are unmarried, till the age of 18 years in case of a male child. Since October 21, 2018, students who graduate from their universities or secondary schools or complete 18 years of age will be granted a one-year residence visa, renewable for another year from the graduation date or on completing 18 years.  For this type of visa, parents are not required to place bank deposits. The visa will cost AED100 for first time issuing and renewal.  To avail of this service, parents must present duly attested graduation certificates from universities or schools, whether inside the country or abroad.

Important note: An expatriate resident can also sponsor his stepchildren, subject to GDRFA’s conditions, which include a deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas are valid for one year; renewable annually.

Required documents to sponsor your wife and children include:

  • Online application or through a registered typing office
  • Passport copies of the wife and children
  • Photos of the wife and children
  • Medical clearance certificate for the wife and children above 18
  • Copy of the husband’s employment contract or company contract
  • Salary certificate from the employer stating the employee’s monthly salary
  • Attested marriage certificate
  • Registered tenancy contract
  • Latest utility bill

How can you sponsor your parents?

An expatriate employee can sponsor his parents, which is for a year, by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department. This is refundable.  An expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of his parents. He needs to sponsor both parents together. He also needs to provide proof that he is their sole support and that there is no one to take care of them back home.  If one of the parents has passed away or if the parents are divorced, he has to show the related official documents as justification to sponsor only one of his parents

To sponsor parents, the employed expatriate resident must earn the minimum salary stipulated and obtain a medical insurance policy for parents with the minimum coverage stipulated for each, to be renewed each year. For example: GDFRA in Dubai stipulates a minimum salary of AED 20,000 or a monthly pay of AED 19,000 plus a two-bedroom accommodation to sponsor parents’ visa.

How can a woman sponsor her family?

In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit stating that she is an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse or any other profession related to the medical sector and if her monthly salary is not less than AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus accommodation. She needs to provide additional documents as stipulated by the respective authority.

In Dubai, if a woman is not employed in one of these categories, she may still get approval to sponsor her family if her monthly salary is more than AED 10,000 and with a special permission from the GDFRA.  A single mother can sponsor her child. The authorities might ask for documents similar to those required to sponsor stepchildren.

What happens to your family’s visa/s if you quit or lose your job?

The family’s residence permits are linked to the residence permit of the sponsoring expatriate employee. If the sponsoring family member’s visa is cancelled, it requires cancellation of the visas of the dependents.  Dependents are granted a 30-day grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visa to obtain a new residence permit.  If the employee fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, the dependents would be deemed illegal residents and could be liable to pay a fine.

A great toll free number for MoHRE to have: 800-60

Issuing of ID Card for the First Time

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Australia Holds World Record For Longest Period Of Growth Among Developed Economies

Austrade estimates that Australia holds the record for the longest period of recession-free growth for a developed economy

According to the latest National Accounts figures recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia holds the record for the longest period of recession-free growth for a developed economy.

The latest outcome is a positive sign that Australia’s economy is maintaining the solid momentum and has entered its 28th year of uninterrupted annual economic growth.

Australia is the only country in the developed world with a period of uninterrupted economic growth of this length, based on the typically recognised definition of an economic recession being a decline in GDP for two or more consecutive quarters.

All 34 member countries in the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) have experienced at least one period of two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth since 1991. Many of these economies experienced two episodes of negative growth during that period – one in 2001 following the collapse of the ‘dot.com bubble’, and one during the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC).

The period since 1991 is the longest growth phase Australia has recorded for at least the past 50 years. It has seen the economy register an average growth rate of 3.2% per annum.

The next longest period, during which Australia’s economic year-ended growth remained positive was between 1961 and 1971. In the 1970s and 1980s, Australia’s growth phases lasted only seven or eight years before another recession hit.

On a quarter-to-quarter basis national accounts figures represented the 104th positive growth rate since the economy started to recover in Q3 1991, following the two consecutive negative growth rates in Q1 and Q2 1991.

By Austrade’s count, Australia’s consecutive quarters of positive growth have now exceeded all OECD member countries including the Netherlands (96 quarters between Q1 1982 to Q2 2008), Ireland (78 between Q3 1986 and Q1 2007), South Korea (77 since the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998) and Canada (68 between Q2 1991 and Q3 2008).

Australia’s economic resilience over the past two decades has been the envy of many countries. Australia sailed through the Asian economic crisis of 1997–98, prospered through the US stock market bust and recession of 2001 and continued to grow through the GFC of 2008–09.

Australia has managed to deliver a solid economic performance relative to other developed economies, while adjusting to the end of its mining boom of the 2000s.

The nation is expected to realise an average annual real GDP growth of 2.7% between 2019 and 2023, according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook October 2018. The latest average growth rate over the next five years is the highest among major advanced economies and up from an average growth rate of 2.6% between 2014 and 2018.

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Australia's GDP growth is 'unmatched by any other developed nation'

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Australia Means Business And Is Open For Business

Business and Investor Visas For Business And Investment Migration

Australia means business and is open for business, and at The Aristos Group, so are we.  Australia is putting the call out for forward thinking professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and investors globally, to bring your skills, talent, ability and business acumen to Australia.

In response to the call we have been working tirelessly to bring together a range of professionals to provide you with a turn key solution for all your requirements, to achieve what in the past could only have possibly been a dream.

Australia is highly sought as a destination globally due to its standard of living, buoyant economy, high standards of education as well as clean and safe environment.

Australia’s economy is maintaining the solid momentum that has delivered Australia 27 years of uninterrupted annual economic growth.  More dramatically, Australia is the only country in the developed world with a period of uninterrupted economic growth of this length.  Austrade estimates that Australia now holds the record for the longest period of recession-free growth for a developed economy.

We have everything you require to navigate you, your family and business through the minefield and complexities of domiciling yourself in Australia.  There are a myriad of elements in the process and we provide a turn key solution to take care of it all for you.

As an introduction we have compiled the following information to avail you of the opportunities currently available through our visa system.  Once you have reviewed the information we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in more detail, to better understand your unique requirements and tailor a solution for you.  Please do not hesitate in contacting us for a confidential discussion.  

We are at your service and are well placed to assist you with representation on the ground in Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, as well as our network of professional service providers throughout Australia.

Read and watch on and feel free to contact us for a confidential discussion.

What You Need To Know About Business and Investor Migration For Australia – Visa 132, 188 & 888

Migration Options For Business Owners And Investors Include The Following Visas

Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132), which consists of:

  • Significant Business History stream
  • Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188), which consists of:
  • Business Innovation stream
  • Investor stream
  • Significant Investor stream
  • Premium Investor stream
  • Entrepreneur stream

The subclass 188 Business and Investment (Temporary) visa (subclass 188) are:

  • Temporary residence visas
  • You will need to meet specified requirements according to your stream and apply for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) to obtain permanent residence

Business Skills (provisional) visas (subclasses 160-165), which include:

  • the Business Owner (Provisional) visa (subclass 160)
  • the Senior Executive (Provisional) visa (subclass 161)
  • the Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 162)
  • the State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional) visa (subclass 163)
  • the State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional) visa (subclass 164)
  • the State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165)

Holders of the visa listed above usually apply for the State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892) or the State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893)

Your Guide to the Australian Business Talent 132 Permanent Visa

Visa Subclass 132 Business Talent (Permanent) Visa

With the aim of enhancing the Australian economy, the Department of Home Affairs has implemented the Australian Business Visa Program.

Within the Australian Business Visa Program, the Business Talent 132 Visa encourages successful business owners and investors to settle in Australia while developing a new or existing Australian business.

There are currently two streams in the Business Talent 132 Visa; the Significant Business History Stream and the Venture Capital Entrepreneur Stream. Both of these visas will allow you to stay in Australia permanently.

The Significant Business History Visa (subclass 132) is for business owners or part owners who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia. This person must have a major management role in a new or existing business within Australia.

The Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream (subclass 132) and have sourced venture capital funding to invest in Australia from a member of the Australian Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL).

To apply for these visas and complete the application process, you must provide all your personal information. During the application process, you may also be asked to prove your business skills, net assets, and provide your proposed business activity. Home Affairs may also conduct an interview process.

Who Needs This Visa?

Unlike the Business Innovation and Investment 188 visa, the subclass 132 Business Talent visa is the only business/investment visa which grants permanent residency upon approval.

The Business Talent visa will suit business owners who are highly successful by terms of business revenue (Significant Business History stream) and entrepreneurs who have secured venture capital funding (Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream) from a member of the Australian Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL).

What Are The General Criteria For This Visa?

  1. Significant Business History stream

You will need to meet the following criteria:

  • age younger than 55 years, unless waived by a state/territory
  • have net business and personal assets of AUD 1.5 million or more
  • an annual turnover of AUD 3 million or more for one or more of your main businesses for at least 2 years out of the last 4 years
  • your ownership interest in the business must be at least AUD 400,000 or 10% of total issued capital if the business is a publicly listed company
  • a successful business career
  1. Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream

You will need to meet the following criteria:

  • you have received at least AUD 1 million in funding from an Australia venture capital fund
  • the fund must be sourced from a member of AVCAL
  • a formal agreement must have been entered into to develop an innovative or high-value business idea
  • Applicants for the subclass 132 Business Talent visa are not subject to the points test.

Come Live Our Philausophy

Visa Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa

The Australian Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is a temporary business visa with seven streams.

This temporary visa is an attractive business visa as it allows business migrants to conduct business and investment activity in Australia or undertake entrepreneurial activity in Australia. Moreover, if you have ownership interests, the subclass 188 business visa will allow you to own and manage a qualifying business in Australia.

While the 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa is a temporary visa, subclass 188 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment visa.

Who Needs This Visa?

The subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa is a temporary residence visa that allows overseas business migrants to stay in Australia for up to four years. Once you have been granted your visa you will be allowed to conduct business and investment activity in Australia.
Due to having seven streams and the option to apply for permanent residency, the Business Innovation and Investment subclass 188 is an attractive visa for many entrepreneurs and investors.

General Requirements – 188 Checklist

There are three basic requirements that all 188 Business Innovation and Investment applicants must meet include:

  • Being nominated by an eligible government organization
  • Being invited to apply for the visa
  • Meeting  stream requirements

Whether you have a product or service, an innovative idea, a qualifying business or an eligible investment, the Australian government will request supporting documents about your personal and business history. Additionally, The Department of Home Affairs requires Business Innovation and Investor stream applicants to meet a points test requirement of 65 points before completing the application.

The Seven Available Streams:

There are SEVEN streams within the subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa. Your proposed business activity in Australia will depend on which visa you should apply for.

Click on the relevant streams below to learn more about the visa criteria and application process.

Business Innovation stream:

This temporary visa is for people with business skills. It lets you operate a new or existing business in Australia.

Business Innovation Extension stream:

This temporary visa lets holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Innovation stream extend their stay for 2 more years.

Investor stream:

This temporary visa requires you to invest AUD 1.5 million in an Australian state or territory and maintain business and investment activity in Australia.

Significant Investor stream:

This visa is for people who invest AUD 5 million in Australian investments that meet specific requirements and maintain business and investment activity in Australia.

Significant Investor Extension stream:

This visa lets Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Significant Investor stream holders extend their stay for 2 more years.

Premium Investor stream:

This visa is for people who are nominated by Austrade and who invest AUD15 million in Australia.

Entrepreneur stream:

This visa lets you carry out entrepreneurial activities in Australia. You can stay for up to 4 years and 3 months.

While holding the subclass 188, visa holders in any stream can apply to the Department of Home Affairs for the permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888).

Processing Times:

The Department of Home Affairs has listed each stream as having different processing times.

Processing times for each stream are as follows:

Subclass 188 Streams

Processing Times

Business Innovation stream

75% of applications: 18 months
90% of applications: 20 months

Business Innovation Extension stream

There are no standard processing times available for this stream.

Investor stream

75% of applications: 19 months
90% of applications: 23 months

Significant Investor stream

Unavailable due to a low volume of applications.

Significant Investor extension stream

There are no standard processing times available for this stream.

Premium Investor stream

Unavailable due to a low volume of applications.

Entrepreneur stream

Unavailable due to a low volume of applications.

Visa Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa

The permanent Australian Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888) is the second stage of the temporary Australian Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188).

The Business Innovation and Investment 888 Visa is for entrepreneurs and business owners to continue their activity as an Australian permanent resident.

To apply for the business visa subclass 888 you must already be holding a business visa subclass 188.

The 5 Streams:

The current streams available for the subclass 188 and 888 visas include:

Business Innovation – 188A/888A

This visa lets holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) continue business activities in Australia indefinitely.

Investor – 188B/888B

This visa lets holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the (subclass 188) in the Investor stream stay indefinitely. It lets you continue your investment activities in Australia.

Significant Investor (SIV) – 188/888C

This visa lets holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Significant Investor stream stay indefinitely. It lets you continue your investment activities in Australia.

Premium Investor (PIV)

This visa lets holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Premium Investor stream stay indefinitely. It lets you continue your investment activities in Australia.

Entrepreneur

This visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. You can apply if you hold a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Entrepreneur stream. It lets you continue your entrepreneur activities in Australia.

Who Needs This Visa?
Holders of the provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) will need to apply for the permanent business visa (subclass 888) upon fulfilling the required conditions for their respective streams.

The Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888) grants permanent residency status. Once the subclass 888 is granted the applicant is allowed to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

What Are The Criteria for The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888)?

Due to there being 5 streams within the Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888) it is essential that you review the criteria and requirements for your specific stream. For example, the Australian Investor stream requirements will differ from the Australian Significant Investor visa stream.

Processing Times:

 The Department of Home Affairs has listed each stream as having different processing times.

 Processing times for each stream are as follows:

Subclass 888 Streams

Processing Times

Business Innovation stream

75% of applications in 10 months
90% of applications in 11 months

Investor Stream

Unavailable due to a low volume of applications.

Significant Investor stream

75% of applications in 7 months
90% of applications in 9 months

Entrepreneur stream

Unavailable due to a low volume of applications.

Entrepreneur stream

Unavailable due to low volume of applications.

Australian Immigration News Video December 2019 - Changes 491 visa & 494 visa Regional Rush & more!

The TRUTH about Immigration to UK and Australia from South Africa

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Blog Series – Working In The United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Part 4

Part 4 - Medical Fitness Requirements For Expatriates

In order for the UAE to grant or renew a residence visa for all expatriates, males and females, have to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at government approved health centres in the UAE.

All applicants of a UAE Residency Visa, whether for first time or for renewal, will be tested for two communicable diseases:

  • HIV (by testing their blood) and;
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis (by taking an x-ray of their chest).

Those found to be HIV positive or having tuberculosis will be considered medically unfit and therefore will not be granted a residence visa. They will be deported immediately by the UAE’s authorities.

Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit:

In this case, they are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the Department of Preventive Medicine or equivalent government health authority.

Hence, if you suspect to be suffering from a communicable disease it is advisable to get yourself tested in your home country first.

You need to know:

  • In order to be able to obtain a clear work/residence permit, expatriates need to be free of all forms of communicable diseases such as HIV and TB.
  • In order to be able to obtain a clear work/residence permit, expatriates need to be free of all forms of communicable diseases such as HIV and TB. Hence, if you suspect to be suffering from a communicable disease it is advisable to get yourself tested in your home country first

Work visa requirements:

In order to be able to obtain a clear work/residence permit, expatriates need to be free of all forms of communicable diseases such as HIV and TB. Hence, if you suspect to be suffering from a communicable disease it is advisable to get yourself tested in your home country first.

In addition, the following categories of workers should test negative for syphilis and Hepatitis B:

  • Workers in nurseries
  • Domestic workers including housemaids, nannies and drivers
  • Food handlers and workers in restaurants and cafes
  • Workers in saloons and beauty centres
  • Workers in health clubs
  • Female domestic workers must test negative for pregnancy

Important note:

  • A new Cabinet Resolution was passed in 2016. As per this resolution, all resident expatriates while renewing their residence visas have to undergo TB screening, too.
  • Those found with scars or active TB or found having drug-resistant TB will be issued a conditional fitness certificate and be issued residence visa for one year. They will then have to undergo treatment in the UAE.

Where are government medical fitness centres located?

Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Shariah have several medical fitness centres. Check also medical examinations centres for residency offered by the Ministry of Health and Prevention – Preventive Medicine Department.

Medical examination for Residency:

You can complete your medical examinations regarding the issuance of a residence visa at a medical examination centre near you.

Services offered at the centres:

  • Printing of Residence visa forms.
  • Conducting of medical examination.
  • Issuance of Emirates ID (Preventive Medicine Departments only)
  • Documents Required
  • Valid passport copy
  • Valid Residence Permit/Visa copy.
  • Two passport size photographs with a white background.
  • Valid Emirates ID copy (only in case of renewal of residence visa).

 

Service Locations:

Medical examination centres for UAE Residency Visa process in shopping malls

  • Ibn Battuta Mall Dubai – Jebel Ali, China Court, Besides DEWA Customer Happiness center, 04-8804762, MEC.IBN@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday, Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Applications accepted only till one hour before closing
  • Dragon Mart 2 Dubai – International City, First floor, Near Novo Cinemas, 04-2326615, MEC.DG2@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday, Applications accepted only till one hour before closing, Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Applications accepted only till one hour before closing
  • Spring Souk Mall Dubai – Jebel Ali, Springs Shopping Center, 1st floor – near Reel cinema, 04-4274431, Spring.DXB@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – Thursday
  • Salah Al Deen Street (19/b), Al Muraqqabat, Opposite to Al Reef Mall and Salah El Deen Metro Station, 04-4274431, MEC.SalahElDeen.DXB@moh.gov.ae, 7:30 AM- 7:30 PM, Sunday-Thursday
  • Al Khobaisi Dubai – Deira, Al Ittihad Street (22), Behind Hyundai Agency, 04-2355524, MEC.AlKhobaisi.DXB@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday
  • Al Nahda Center Dubai-Deira, Al Nahda Area 1, Al Ittihad Street (4), Near Tadbeer Center, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday-Thursday, 04-2638833, MEC.AlNahda.DXB@moh.gov.ae
  • Al Khibrah Center Sharjah-Industrial Area (10) near the industrial police station (10), 06-7489547, MEC.AlKhibrah.SHJ@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – Thursday
  • Mushrif Health Centre Ajman, Al Ittihad Street near Emirates Telecommunication Corporation Company, 06-7455900, MEC.Mushairif.AJM@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday-Thursday
  • Sahara Center Sharjah – Al Nahda Area Sahara Center – basement, 06-5313666, MEC.Sahara.SHJ@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday
  • Al Ibdaa Center Sharjah Industrial area 18 Al Maliha street Showroom 3, 4, 06-7429800, MEC.AlIbdaa.SHJ@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday-Thursday
  • Al Dahan center Ras al Khaimah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street near the red Twilight car upholstery shop, 07-2224900, MEC.Dahan.RAK@moh.gov.ae, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday – Thursday

Service Charges: 48 hours (AED 110 including VAT)

The Ministry of Health and Prevention Preventive Medicine Departments:

  • Preventive Medicine Center – Dubai (Al Baraha), 04-2731161, dxb.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Preventive medicine Center – Al Ghubaiba, 06-5662111, shj.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Examination Center of Expatriate Labour in the Industrial Area, 06-5421442, shj.pmd@moh.gov.ae Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Center – Kalba, 09-2031256, kal.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Wednesday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Centre – Dibba Al Hisn, 09-2444455, shj.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Center – Khorfakkan, 09-2384664, khor.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Preventive medicine Center – Al Dhaid, 06-8822221, dhd.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Center – Fujairah, 09-2227114, fuj.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Centre – Ras Al Khaimah, 07-2223111, rak.pmd@moh.gov.ae
  • Preventive Medicine Center – Ajman, 06-7031700, ajm.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Sunday and Tuesday 5:00 PM to 10 PM
  • Preventive Medicine Center – Umm Al Quwain, 06-7649393, uaq.pmd@moh.gov.ae, Sunday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Tuesday 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM 5:00PM to 10:00 PM Service Charges: 48hrs.
  • (Subject to 105 AED Service charge)
  • Medical Examination Packages
  • All Categories (excluding vaccination and female household domestic service) – AED 260
  • All Categories (including vaccination) – AED 310
  • Female House Hold Domestic Service – AED 360

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

UAE Resident visa: Medical Test

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Relief For Horticulture Farmers This Summer

Horticulture farmers around Australia receive more support to resolve labour shortages

Horticulture farmers around Australia will now receive more support to resolve labour shortages with the signing of a new Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement.

The new agreement means horticulture growers will have access to a skilled and semi-skilled workforce to help deliver the fruit and vegetables enjoyed by all Australians.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the Government is focused on supporting regional economies by providing horticultural employers with access to more workers.

“We have worked with growers and industry representatives to negotiate this agreement as it is vital our farmers maximise their hard work and economic returns,” Mr Tudge said.

“Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps and grow local economies”.

The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement follows the success of labour agreements in other industries such as the dairy, meat and pork industry.

It also complements existing migration programmes to support regional employers and communities, including the Working Holiday Maker Programme, Seasonal Worker Programme, the Pacific Labour Scheme and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

Minister for Agriculture Senator McKenzie said the new labour agreement is a practical response to the desperate need across regional and rural Australia for greater access to skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers.

“This is about recognising that horticulture is a developed industry and requires a skilled workforce to continue to grow,” Ms McKenzie said.

“It is another example of how the Government is improving opportunities for growth and development in regional communities.”

From 1 January 2020, horticultural employers will be able to submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor a migrant worker to come to Australia and fill one of the 31 approved occupations listed under the Labour Agreement.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

10 Facts About The New TSS 482 Visa! Australian Temporary Work Visa - Immigration Citizenship News

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International Career Opportunities Looming In the UK

Half of 50,000 nurses promised by Boris Johnson would need to come from overseas

Yesterday we published a blog post on the new rules for fast track visas for doctors and nurses in the UK which is timely, as it appears now there are going to be significant international opportunities for healthcare professionals in the NHS in the near future.

The Health Foundation Chief Executive has said that even with improvements in all other areas of recruitment and training, the Conservatives will need to recruit almost 25,000 nurses from overseas to honour their pledge of an extra 50,000 NHS nurses, in a bid to plug the existing vacancy gap of more than 43,000.

She added: “This will be challenging and means migration policy must not be a barrier and with the number of qualified permanent full-time equivalent GPs having decreased by around 5% since the last target was set, there must be realism about what can be achieved in the timescales set out.”

The Tories said the extra 50,000 nurses would be brought in over the parliament through a combination of training and extra university places, also nurse apprenticeships which allow people to train as they work, and there will be some recruitment from overseas with the new NHS visa.  

Donna Kinnair, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “The current shortage of 43,000 registered nurses can only be filled by registered nurses – with degree-level education.  “It is unfair on staff and inappropriate for patients to try to plug this gap with other staff.”

She said “more detail” was needed on where the 50,000 nurses would come from, adding: “The emphasis must be firmly on growing the domestic workforce, as while we welcome nursing colleagues from around the world, an over-reliance on international recruitment is neither sustainable nor ethical in the long-term.”  And she said money was needed for tuition fees for trainee nurses, not just cost-of-living grants.

So it appears there will be significant international career opportunities for  healthcare professionall in the UK in the near future.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Conservatives promise to 'add' 50,000 more nurses ahead of UK election

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