Andy pandy 67

As an English man who has spent some of his time on the wrong side of the law. (just got back a Basic disclosure showing clear as my offences are over 10 yrs old) why can I emmergrate to an EU country with little or no hassle .However I cannot go to Aus or N/Z which is still part of my countrys commonwealth like scotland,ireland,wales,gabraltor ,Falklands ,ETC

Pollyana

How do you know that you cannot emigrate to Aus or New Zealand? Posession of a criminal record does not automatically mean that you would be turned down, certainly in the case of Australia.

Andy pandy 67

I spoke to an agency who said as I cannot demonstate good charactor Id be unable to process an application and would be wasting my money trying .

Pollyana

Have a read of this - http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/ especially the link to "Fact Sheet 79".
It depends on what your offences were, what sentences you were given, and how long ago. Did the agency you spoke to know all the details of your conviction history, as its quite unusual to have a substantial record which is old enough to be entirely spent, yet serious enough to bar you instantly from emigrating to Aus? And was it just general advice or did it actually come from a registered migration agent?

Bibbs

That'll be your reason then.

As you are already a citizen of the EU, they can't discriminate. You have free access to all areas in the EU.

Other countries can be selective. If you have the choice of who to let in, why wouldn't you filter out the undesirables?

You might be reformed now, but why would they take the risk if they don't need to?

And it's not a part of YOUR COUNTRIES commonwelth. Your country is a part of THE commonwealth.

Andy pandy 67

I could'nt agree more with what you say in this listing and to be honest NO I guess i wouldnt give a chance out either as you say they dont know me or the people I know . Thanks for the honest answer its refreshing really .Andy

JAJ

By the way, British Overseas Territories can (and do) impose immigration control on British citizens.

Bibbs

But you are allowed in the EU without discrimination. Have you thought about moving within Europe? Or even in the UK?

What are your aims for moving?

dave99

I think you have just spoken to a lazy rubbish agency there. Have a read through all the immigration stuff yourself, figure out which way to apply would be best for you and then simply fill out the applications yourself. Thats what I did.
You dont need an agency, it just takes a bit longer to work it all out on your own but its certainly cheaper. Give it a shot

Pollyana

Did you read through the DIAC information I linked to above? They actually DO give the majority of applicants a chance.

Andy pandy 67

Had a look and i have 2 term prison sentances , 1 st june 1996 to feb 97 for causing death by dangerous drive, released feb 97, 2nd was handling stolen goods feb2000 to aug 2000 , Im told under rehabilitation of offenders act as 10 years has elapsed with no other convictions thses are classed as a spent offence. However reading the link im doubtful id be granted a visa. Andy

Dorothy

Convictions are never spent for migration purposes. However, as has been said by more than one poster it's very unlikely that your visa application would automatically be turned down based on your record. DIAC would likely give you an opportunity to explain and show you are now rehabilitated.

Try speaking to a different agent such as George Lombard in Sydney. His contact information is available by either google or looking on here at the members' list.

Vash the Stampede

Commonwealth membership is irrelevant to immigration policy. There's no such thing as a "Commonwealth passport", whereas there is such a thing as an EU passport.

Viva la difference.

James516

Mozambique is part of the Commonwealth too, why not give them a try?

Andy pandy 67

what and walk round with an AK47 sorry not my thing now or ever, However thanks for thinking about me .