26 March 2008

Australian immigration the healthy option for UK nurses

An increasing number of UK nurses are moving abroad through Australian immigration according to a new report from the Royal College of Nursing. The report shows that in 2007 alone almost 5,000 nurses registered an interest in working in Australian field hospitals. Nurses are reportedly being attracted to Australia by offers of high wages and a better lifestyle.

Howard Catton, the RCN's Head of Policy, told the BBC: "The Australian recruitment agencies that I've spoken to since I've been here are making very attractive offers." He added that it is not just the starting salaries that are attracting British nurses to Australia with the packages offered to them often including air travel, relocation expenses and temporary accommodation. Mr Catton concluded that although nurses have historically always left the UK and taken advantage of Australian immigration, "the numbers have doubled recently". Registered nurses are among the many professions found on the Australia Migration Occupation in Demand List, along with midwives and mental health nurses.

Australia needs nurses and other qualified healthcare professionals: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.