The latest figures released by the Australian Immigration Department have revealed that the number of Australian Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa applications rose by 15% between 2014 and 2015. Such rise in “457 visa” applications mainly concerns accommodation and food services (37%), IT (31%), and professional, scientific and technical services (27%).

Flood of rich Chinese settle in UK

The number of Chinese citizens who obtained investor visas to the UK doubled last year as more rich people emigrate. A total of 357 British “Tier 1” investor visas were issued to Chinese nationals during the 12 months up to September 2014, thus becoming the biggest group of “Tier 1” investor visa by far. Only 178 Chinese investors obtained such visas over the same period a year ago.

Hong Kong Government Halts the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

On 14 January 2015, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR Mr. CY Leung, in his Policy Address 2015, announced that the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (“CIES”) would be suspended with effect from 15 January 2015.

Canada launches express entry immigration selection system

On 1 January 2015, the Canadian government officially launched the express entry selection system (“Express Entry”) for immigration to Canada.

Super-rich Chinese considering emigration

According to a recent global poll of two thousand high net worth individuals (total net worth in excess of US$1.5 million per individual) conducted by Barclays Wealth, 47% of super-rich Chinese nationals plan to emigrate within the next 5 years.

Canada halts visa-free policy for St. Kitts passport holders