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Overseas workers lured by Australia’s big projects
Australian federal and state governments are initiating
many diverse new infrastructure projects. Given the
economic and employment situation in many countries
including the UK, US and Ireland, these developments
have encouraged Aussie expatriates to bring their skills
back home.
Then, the points system for skilled immigration awards
bonus marks on visa applications of people with skills
relating to high-demand industries, such as electricians
and engineers.
Other visa changes include an increase of 4.1 per cent
to the minimum salary level for temporary skilled
workers.
A big boost to immigration demand stems from the
Australian Federal Government improving the country's
infrastructure. Investment in rail lines, as well as
channelling money into hospitals, roads and schools all
provide major, ongoing opportunity for workers from
abroad. These moves mean even greater prospects for
those coming from overseas, particularly in regional
areas where many professional businesses in cities and
towns are seeking well qualified staff.
Furthermore, many forms of alternative energy projects
have been initiated and many others are in the
experimental and planning stages. These ventures include
numerous wind farms, already connected to State
electricity grids. Obviously, solar power is a natural
alternative for Australia and several are on the drawing
board including a $400 million solar power station in
Victoria’s north. Geothermal energy is also the subject
of intense investigation.
Of course, all such alternative energy projects require
access to a highly trained workforce with expertise in
relevant trades and professions … and Australia is well
short of the mark in many areas of skilled employment.
Clearly, there are many opportunities open to
skilled immigrants with the appropriate, training
and experience.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC),
has established a comprehensive list of those skills the
country needs and a further, refined list that applies
bonus points to trades and professions in most urgent
demand.
However, the visa application process is quite complex
and can take several months. Thus, many immigrants
choose to enlist the aid of a reputable immigration
advisory service. An upside of the longish waiting
period, is that the comparatively low impact Australia
suffered from the global financial crisis may well have
receded even further by that time, possibly opening the
door to more
skilled migrants than planned.
Of course, there are also significant opportunities
available to businesses in the ‘green’ energy sector, or
servicing companies within that sector. Thus, DIAC also
runs programs for small business people and
entrepreneurs who would like to establish ventures in
Australia, and have the necessary qualifications and
track record to meet visa criteria.
Having recognised the importance of alternative energy
to Australia’s future, many skilled jobs are being
created in Australia’s oil industry right now, and thus
are also of keen interest to intending
skilled immigrants.
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