Australia: Skilled Occupation list review update
The Australian Department of Employment is currently undertaking stakeholder meetings ahead of publishing the preliminary “traffic light” report. This will provide information on:
- Skills that may be removed from the list completely (red light)
- Skills that may move from one list to a less favorable list (yellow light)
- Skills that may move to a more favorable list (green light)
Impact 
Discussions have been taking place regarding the following concerns:
- The difficulty in getting skills assessments for employees, particularly in management occupations
- Where an individual does not have formal qualifications but numerous years of industry experience (it is more difficult to prove a qualification through experience and a skills assessment rather than provide the required documentation to meet the qualifying criteria)
- While the new subclass 494 Employer Sponsored Regional visa has a long occupation list, the requirement for an applicant to have a skills assessment will make it difficult for many individuals using this pathway
- Importance of consistency in the occupation lists as changes make it difficult for employers to plan for staffing needs. Skilled occupation lists will be as consistent as possible while still ensuring changes in the labor market are addressed.
Looking ahead
The report will be published in Dec. 2019. A consultation period will follow prior to revised skills lists being published (expected in March 2020).
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Peregrine Immigration Management.
Disclaimer: the above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
India: Visa on arrival extended to UAE nationals
The Bureau of Immigration in India has extended the visa on arrival (VOA) to United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens for stays of up to 60 days from the date of arrival, with double entry. The VOA is available at Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi International airports only.
Impact 
This VOA is only available for those in possession of an online e-Visa or a regular paper visa from the Indian Mission.
In addition, the VOA is not applicable to the following:
- UAE nationals entering India for the first time
- Any origins of Pakistan who currently hold UAE nationality
Background
The VOA was first made available in March 2016 for Japanese and South Korean citizens. It was applicable for tourism, visiting friends/family, short visits for medical treatment, attending conferences and business visits. The VOA was available to applicants twice in a calendar year, allowing individuals to stay in India for up to 30 days from the date of their arrival. The provision to stay upon arrival was further extended to a 60-day period.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of India.
Disclaimer: the above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC or Bopanna Nanjappa, Immigration Manager for South Asia.
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