AUSTRALIA: A CAREER OPTION?
The Skilled Migration Program to Australia

Australia, the country - continent, became the adopted home of tens of thousands of Arabs over the years. The skill stream of Australia's Migration Program was introduced to target immigrants who have skills or professional abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. The Australian population is currently estimated to be around 20 million.

You must remember however, that immigration does not suit every individual, the adaptability to a different culture, sense of belonging, home sickness and other social and cultural factors play a significant role in determining who would successfully adjust to a new home away from his / her native country.

Last year alone, 88,900 individuals from all over the word immigrated to Australia. The largest immigrants age group was for those in the 25 - 34 age bracket which represented 29.7%, followed by the 35-44 age bracket (17.9%). Out of these immigrants, 6,000 came from the Middle East and North Africa.

Official statistics also revealed that as of mid 2002, there were 1,574 foreign students from the Middle East and North Africa studying in Australian universities and institutes.

Skilled Migration details:
For General Skilled Migration to Australia, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy all of the following basic requirements:

• Age: You must be under 45 when you apply.
• English language: You must have sufficient ability in the English language for working in Australia. This is known as 'vocational English'.
• Qualifications: You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications (in a small number of occupations substantial relevant work experience may be acceptable) and your skills must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation.
• Nominated occupation: When you apply, you must nominate an occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation list (SOL). If your nominated occupation is not on the list, you cannot apply. Find out the occupations listed:
  
  For professional occupations click here.
  For managers occupations click here.
  
  
• Recent work experience: This requirement is separate to the need to have your skills assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation before you apply. If your nominated occupation is worth 60 points (see the points for your nominated occupation on the SOL), you must have been in paid employment in a skilled occupation (any on the SOL) for at least 12 of the 18 months before applying. If your nominated occupation is worth 40 or 50 points, you must have been in paid employment in a skilled occupation (any on the SOL) for at least two of the three years before applying.

More details and application forms could be obtained from the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate to where you live.

Source: Australian Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs.