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Australian Visa Pricing Changes to Drive Use of Online Services
ImageNew visa pricing arrangements to begin soon will encourage Department of Immigration and Citizenship clients to use online services where available. Visa pricing measures already in place include a visa evidence charge, first announced by the Australian Government in November 2011. From July 1, a “per-person” charge will apply to each family member included in a visa application.
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One Year and Three Months in Melbourne
ImageI thought it was time for me to add an update here on a late lunch break, as I remember how useful BritishExpats.com was to me especially during the first few months. A bit of background. I'm an American, who lived in the UK for about 9 years up to 2010. In 2011 I lived in Denver Colorado, and from 2012 onwards I've been here in Melbourne. So I have a UK perspective, but also an American sense of what fair prices are. My partner is Italian / Argentinian.
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HELP! My QROPS is in Cyprus!
ImageInvestors with assets tied up in Cyprus have no doubt watched the Cypriot financial meltdown with a white-knuckled grip on the arms of their recliners. The news seemed to go from bad to worse. Soon after the collapse, Cyprus announced a plan to render a one-off levy of 9.9% on accounts of 100,000 EUR or greater with a 6.75% levy imposed on accounts below 100,000. Responding to immediate and widespread criticism (and the threat of bank runs), capital controls to cap withdrawals were imposed and a 20% levy on Cyprus’s two main banks
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The Circus
ImageThe world is such a small place I thought to myself, thinking back about all the places I've been and travels I took as a young boy. Things were always normal, from my point of view anyways. I remember, the midnight special, wolf man jack and the odd, very odd acts on this show like David Bowie and Alice Cooper. Nobody is really like that, I thought, it's just a show, an act. Rainbow hair, leather, lace and chains abound.  Red lights, prostitutes and every imaginable color of accessories in between. Piccadilly was a learning experience that a boy of my age could have waited a few years to see and for sure to understand.
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New Report Shows Changing Face of Migration to Australia
ImageThe Asia region is becoming a leading source for permanent migration to Australia according to Australia's Migration Trends, a new report released this week by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Brendan O'Connor. The report contains comprehensive analysis and commentary on migration activity for 2011-12, and provides a clear picture of substantial changes in the origins of Australia's migrants, reflecting the trend towards an Asian Century.
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New Data Shows Jump in Skilled Workers
ImageData released this week shows the number of overseas workers coming to Australia on 457 visas has jumped more than 20 per cent over the past year. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship said the significant growth in the program highlighted the need for further reform. 'There are now 108 810 457 visa holders - a 20.4 per cent growth in the 12 months to April 30. This is at a time when employment growth remains soft in some industries and regions,'
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Renting in Sydney – What you need to know.
ImageIf you are looking to rent in Sydney here’s my helpful hot list that will save you time and improve your chances at getting the home you want. The 2 main websites to search for rental properties are www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au – both usually list the same properties but it is worth checking both to ensure you don’t miss a cracker. Agents can be slow to take their listing off these sites so check for accurate listings by going direct to the real estate agency’s website.
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British Expats in Hong Kong: What not to take with you
ImageAt a glance, it’s easy to see why more than twenty thousand British expats live in Hong Kong. With mild, sunny winters and hot summers, this city accommodates those seeking skyscrapers and beaches, shopping centres and jungly forests, big city life and laid-back living on outlying islands or in close-knit community villages. Hong Kong’s is a multi-layered, diverse culture, and it’d be reductive to label it as any one particular way of living.
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Highest Number of New Houses in Five Years
ImageBuilding consents for new houses hit a five-year high last month, with rises across most areas of the country, Statistics New Zealand said this week. There were 1,755 new houses, including apartments, consented in April 2013. This was the highest number since April 2008, when 2,373 were consented, including 771 apartments.
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Expats Could Lose Bank Account Privacy
ImageBritish expats, who have preferred to save, invest and bank offshore since moving abroad, could find that their previously secure personal account information is about to be automatically exchanged with other nations including Britain, Germany and France. New rules relating to the automatic exchange of account information affecting a number of Britain’s overseas territories could impact heavily on expats...
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How To Sell A Property You Own In Nicaragua
ImageIf you are like most overseas property sellers you'll simply list your property with a local real estate agent and hope for attractive offers to come rolling in. Unfortunately this 'list and hope' strategy may not be enough to get a quick sale - especially in these recessionary times when inventories are high and buyers cautious.  And remember that in Nicaragua, as with many other overseas markets, there is no central database of properties for sale that all agents can access.
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