Record numbers of Irish head to Australia

Australian immigration figures show record numbers of Irish citizens are choosing an Australia visa over the dire economic situation gripping the country, and Australia is welcoming them with open arms.

Australia immigration

Irish people are finding the abundant opportunity on offer in Australia hard to resist.

The latest Australian immigration statistics show a continued rise in the number of Australian visa applications from Irish applicants, for both the 457 visa and working holiday visa programs.

There has been a 70% increase in visa applications from Irish citizens in the past three years as the Irish economy fails to recover and more and more Irish, particularly young Irish, look to foreign shores for opportunity and Australia has opened the door.

The Australian economy has thrived off the back of a booming mining industry but as more people head to the mines of Western Australia gaps are opening in other industries, gaps Australia is hoping the Irish can fill.

The tourism and hospitality industries have always been major contributors to the Australian economy and in order to continue their considerable influence, the Australian Hotels Association of Western Australia is holding seminars in Dublin to promote 5,000 new positions for Irish working holiday visa holders.

"At the Travel and Work WA seminars, people will get information on Western Australia, find out how much they will get paid, and meet pub and bar owners, hoteliers and managers from hospitality businesses located in Perth and regional Western Australia, including beautiful Australian holiday destinations like Broome and Margaret River,” said Bradley Woods, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association.

The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people lodge applications with the Australian Embassy.