New Zealand has made it easier for qualified secondary school teachers from overseas to obtain residence permits, aiming to address the country's shortage of teachers in subjects like Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The Straight to Residence pathway on the Green List now allows eligible foreign teachers to apply for residence without needing to work for two years in New Zealand first.

This change is part of New Zealand's efforts to attract skilled workers while introducing stricter work visa rules for low-skilled applicants to manage migration sustainably.

Australian authorities have set June 3 as the opening date for the first ballot of the new Pacific engagement visa program. This program offers 3,000 permanent placement visas annually to nationals of participating Pacific island countries, Timor-Leste, and their immediate family members.

Applicants must meet specific criteria, including age, job offer in Australia, valid passport, and ties to a participating country. The program aims to enhance Pacific migration to Australia and foster cultural, business, and educational exchanges.

The Finnish Immigration Service has introduced automated decision-making for specific applications, including citizenship, residence and study permits. Eligibility criteria vary based on the type of application and adherence to digital submission and payment protocols.

Candidates meeting requirements such as online application submission, fee payment, and completion of necessary documentation may receive automated decisions. The system aims to streamline processing for qualified applicants, enhancing efficiency in the immigration process while maintaining strict criteria for eligibility.