EXODUS OF BRITONS GROWING - August 28,2009

Almost 400,000 people quit Britain to find a better life abroad last year as the recession took hold, new statistics have shown.

A total of 395,000 people from the UK left the country during 2008. The numbers are a rise of 24 per cent compared with the 318,000 who left in 2007, according to the Office of National Statistics.

About 158,000 were British citizens leaving the country for an expat life overseas, emigrating to Australia or New Zealand. Other popular destinations for Britons emigrating abroad include France, Spain and the US.

On average three Britons are quitting the country every minute.The majority of migrants to Australia go through the Australian General Skilled Migration Programme to obtain an Australian skilled migrant visa.

The remaining 237,000 were foreigners returning home or leaving for other countries.

Since Labour came to power in 1997, about two million UK nationals have left the country to live abroad in places like Australia: the fastest rate of emigration since World War I.

One recent estimate said one in 12 Britons now lives abroad

Source: Daily Express

changes to australia's skilled migration program

Changes to the General Skilled Migration programme (GSM) will be introduced on 1 September 2007. People who have made an application for a skilled visa on or before 31 August 2007 will not be affected by the changes.

Changes will include:

• increasing the English language threshold for GSM visa applicants
• rewarding GSM visa applicants who have very good English language proficiency
• greater emphasis on skilled work experience
• introduction of a new temporary work visa for graduates
• simplifying the GSM visa structure.

There are currently 15 GSM visa subclasses available to people onshore and offshore, who are wishing to apply to migrate to Australia. Under the new visa structure, this will be reduced to nine visa subclasses - four offshore and five onshore. This new structure enables applicants to more easily identify the visa subclass best suited to their circumstances. Source: Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Please contact us for more information regarding these changes.

High employment for British migrants

Brits are hitting the ground running, with a new report revealing that skilled migrants are gaining employment, adjusting to the Oz lifestyle and finding their feet faster than ever.

The recent “longitudinal survey” by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship found that after 18 months in Australia, employment rates for skilled migrants are well above the already astounding national average of 97 per cent.

Current trades in demand are: bakers, bricklayers, butchers, cabinet makers, carpenters, chefs, electricians, fitters, hairdressers, mechanics, plasterers, plumbers and welders. Professionals are also in demand with accountants, engineers, nurses and podiatrists in most demand...

Apply here now ... as opportunities that exist today, may be gone by tomorrow.

54pc of britons want to settle down abroad...

More than half of Britons are seriously considering seeking a new life abroad, says a survey for The Daily Telegraph. By Anthony King (Filed: 26/08/2002)

state and territory nominated independent scheme (STNI)

The state and territory nominated independent scheme (STNI) enables States and Territories to sponsor skilled migrants who are willing to settle in areas where their skills are in demand (eg: nurses) Applicants are normally identified through the Skill Matching Database.

State and Territory Governments participating in the scheme (eg: Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory) establish which skills are in short supply and where skill shortages are occurring.

Based on this information, States and Territories aim to select applicants who have a sound chance of gaining employment in that State or Territory within a short time of their arrival.

Applicants must be able to pass a skills assessment in one of the occupations
listed. Please click here

do you qualify for a skilled visa?
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