Posts by Neena Bhandari

First ever Islamic Banking and Finance course at La Trobe

0 Comments read Education

By Neena Bhandari

Melbourne, 27.08.2008 (IANS): The first ever Islamic Banking and Finance Master’s course to be offered by La Trobe University in Australia has at least some overseas Indian students excited about future prospects in this fast-growing segment of global finance.

“I am very excited that the university will be offering a course in Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF). By learning about Islamic commercial laws, I can help people of my community in their development”, Mohammed Rizwanuddin from Hyderabad, who is nearing completion of a two-year Master of Professional Accounting at La Trobe University, told IANS.

“As the concept of `interest’ is considered `haram’ in Islam, there are many Muslims who need financial support for their progress. I feel that Islamic commercial law can overcome this problem”, adds Rizwanuddin, who would like to return to India and help his community despite good job prospects in Australia and the Middle East.

Continue reading →

Indians are second largest group of skilled migrants in Australia

0 Comments read Diaspora, Migration

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 22.07.2008 (IANS): Indians have become the second largest group of skilled migrants arriving on Australian shores under the temporary skilled migration programme during 2007-2008, according to new data released Tuesday by Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans.

While almost a quarter of the temporary workers came from the UK, India came second with 14 percent followed by the Philippines at nine percent and South Africa at six percent.

To meet the severe national skills shortages, especially in professional occupations and highly skilled jobs, as many as 110,570 visas were granted under the temporary skilled migration programme last year, a 27 percent increase on the previous year’s 87,310.

Continue reading →

50 Indians found working illegally in Australia

0 Comments read Diaspora, Migration

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 18.07.2008 (IANS): Fifty Indian workers have been found by Immigration officials to be working illegally in Australia since last July even as Immigration Minister Chris Evans Friday warned severe penalties would be imposed on people who hired workers without proper working visas.

“Rogue employers face fines of up to A$13,200 (US$12,834) and two years’ imprisonment while companies face fines of up to A$66,000 per illegal worker,” the immigration minister said.

The highest number of illegal workers was from Malaysia, 374, followed by China (145), Indonesia (89), Britain (67), Philippines (51), India (50), Vietnam (48), Thailand (44) South Korea (32) and Ireland (21).

Continue reading →