11 January 2008

Middle England is moving to Australian immigration

The borough of Sefton in the north-west of England is now the sixth largest in terms of people emigrating, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The ONS found that approximately 3,500 people left to find a new life overseas in the five years from 2001 to 2006.

"Middle England is on the move and it's well-off commuter towns in areas like the Sefton which are the hot spots for emigration. Australia [is] among the most popular choices," local immigration specialist Paul Arthur told the Southport Visitor.

"The figures from July 2006 to July 2007 show 12,273 Brits emigrated to New Zealand, three years earlier this figure was 8,165, a 50 per cent increase. Australia is no different - it has seen a massive increase. Emigration numbers have tripled over the last five years - 24,800 Brits emigrated down under during 2006/7 compared to 8,749 in 2001/2."

Mr Arthur explained that significant skilled labour shortages in countries like Australia are attracting Britons to consider Australian immigration. "Immigration policies in these countries have been revised to actively encourage our skilled tradespeople and professionals to emigrate," he noted.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australia skilled visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.