Skilled Immigrants sought in Australia

[Marius]

On 3rd October there was an Sky News bulletin in Australian TV that contained an article stating Australia is now actively recruiting skilled migrants in countries like the UK, USA, Sri-Lanka and SOUTH AFRICA. Recruiters are looking for all levels of skilled people, trades people included. This is to address the skills shortage.

In the Advertiser ( Adelaide edition ) of 5 October 2006 on page 19 there is a full page article describing the influx of skilled immigrants into Australia, specifically under the sponsored subclass 457 visa arrangement.

Some stats form the article :

- There were 39530 subclass 457 visas granted in 2005/2006 Australia wide ( up from 27350 the previous year )

- Most 457's granted to migrants from the UK, total of 9830 ( 25 % )

- Total of 2040 subclass 457's issues to South Africans ( 5 % ). South Africa is number 6 on the list with China,USA,Phiilipines, India and UK in number 1 above.

- The least 457's issued to Italians, number 20 on the list with 360 ( 1 % ) granted.

- Interesting is that Zimbabwe is number 17 on the list with 420 ( 1% ) subclass 457 visas granted.

- One in 5 workers that enter Australia under the 457 visa scheme stay and go on to become a permanent resident.

South Australia more than doubled previous years intake with 1470 subclass 457 visas granted for the state compared to 860 the year before .

The article goes on the mention certain employers abusing the 457 scheme and the resulting crack down on these employers. It also suggests that the criteria might bereviewed. I could not find the article on the Adelaide Advertiser newspapers website to paste the link

The best part of the articel it features a large picture of a South African called Marius Coetzee ( no, not me, another Marius ) on the page and an interview with him. He was sponsored with his family last year by a local bank here in Adelaide and he started work in the bank here in Adelaide 7 months ago under the subclass 457 visa scheme.

Check out immi.gov.au for more information about skilled immigrants to Australia.

The bottom line is Austrlia needs skilled immigrants to fill CURRENT shortages. Make the decision NOW and take advantage of the various schemes that suit your circumstances. The door will eventually close when the skills shortage is filled with locally trained people and imported migrants. '