judeyoga

My hubby has just been told by a colleague at work that his (the colleagues) parents are moving to australia as the borders have been opened up to migrants. This sounds like rubbish to me and I cant find anything on t'internet - does anyone know anything about this or where the rumour might have come from?

Australia Bound

True as far as i know but i don't know the extent of it. There was a thing on UK radio on Friday about it, sorry can't find link.

Major skills shortage in certain areas. Plumbers are much sought after.

NAC

There was a short segment on BBC news last week about Australia increasing the number of immigrants due to major skill shortages. They did however, make it sound rather easy!! Stated that if you were a plumber you could just basically hop on the next flight As we all know the process is a bit harder than that. I was also at a seminar recently and the agent who did a talk said that Australia was going to increase immigration numbers but HE believed they would also have to lower the points as well. Seems a bit strange when they were increased less than a year ago
Carolyn

judeyoga

Just goes to show i should listen to the radio instead of watching balamory and the tweenies! I might be more aware of what is going on in the rest of the world as opposed to which coloured house PC Plum is going to today! Not sure my little boy will go for that one though!

Have just found this and am wondering if this is what they are talking about.

http://www.how2immigrate.net/austral...on2005-06.html

The whole process still seems very selective rather than the indiscriminate free for all that hubby seemed to think it might be! I guess more skills on the occupations in demand list so therefore more availability.

judeyoga

Absolutely we were told they could well go up - but then again that was by an agent who wanted us to sign up asap! Cynical? - moi?

bondipom

A few months ago the new estimated numbers were released. Loads of tradies are now on the MODL however enrollments at TAFE for trades has also gone up. Reminds me of the IT boom and bust.

chaval

Strangely enuf my dad said he was chatting to my uncle who claimed that some guy was on tele saying that Oz was having a big push comparable to the 1960's as there is a big shortage of tradesmen and people to look after the ritiring population. I'm sure its not gonna be as easy as 1-2-3.

cheers

MrFlibbleUK

Yeah Im in IT and everything that I hear recently from the Oz press and ACS doesnt sound good! (not over there yet but due to go in Feb 06). Never mind at least I will be able to eat all the Big Macs i can possibly eat...do you want fries with that?

bondipom

There are IT jobs and it is not as depressing as in 2002 when I arrived. I think the ACS want to up the training of Australian graduates by forcing companies away from 457ers. The analogy is from 2000 when IT was up there in the MODL just like tradies are now.

Bix

..........they forgot to say the plumbers have to bring their own water

Shazrazmataz

LOL....

wmoore

I knew there would be a catch

tonyk38

I hope they do lower the points, as I'll be able to get in a lot quicker if they do!

Mind you, those of you who needed to hand over a 100K bond to get the points might be a bit miffed if the changes make this now unnecessary for some of you. I guess I'll just keep my ear to the ground and wait and see what actually happens.

karenjc

They can have my Grandad, he's not a plumber but he produces a lot of water

michellegodfrey

All,

Can you advise is the age restriction for applications to Austrailia still 45 ?

My sister seems to believe that they have lowered the age, as well as adding additional Occupations to the list ?

Thanks

Michelle