Professional emigration on the rise in Ireland

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Created on Thursday, 05 January 2012 15:35

Written by Editorial staff

The growing demand for skilled workers in Australia is having a notable effect on the movement of Irish citizens - with a pronounced shift in demographic makeup becoming increasingly common.

In previous years, Australia was one of the destinations of choice for students and backpackers looking to expand their world experience.

They saw Australia as providing an ideal mix of opportunities, with a common language, modern facilities and infrastructure - as well as a rather dramatic contrast in climate.

Many of them made use of the programs available at local universities and colleges, entering the country on the 573 higher education subclass visas to attend courses with the aim of adding to their requirements for a degree - or in some cases gaining them outright.

Others chose to apply for 12-month working holiday visas to explore Australia - using their time here to set up a base, earn some money and see the sites.

A high proportion chose to settle in and around Sydney - with suburbs such as Coogee and Bondi becoming well known hubs for Irish emigrants to gain a foothold and share travel stories.

However, this trend is set to change over the following months as more and more experienced professionals begin to consider their prospects abroad.

An emigration expert in Ireland has said that Australia is now the destination of choice for families - with the parents seeking to enhance their career prospects.

Writing for the Independent on December 29 2011, Edwina Shanahan notes that the average age of her many clients are beginning to grow.

Shanahan asserted: "We have recently noticed an increase in the number of business owners and senior managers from different Irish industry sectors who are looking abroad to restart their business careers."

She explains that the use of business skills visas "for business owners and senior managers under the age of 55 years" and can eventually provide a pathway to permanent residency.

"Once the business is established and it can be shown that it is benefiting the Australian economy, the business owner and his or her family have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence to live in Australia indefinitely," said Shanahan.

She also notes that there are a number of prerequisites and fees involved in the process - perhaps giving interested parties an incentive to consult with their preferred registered migration agents before committing to an application.