Record number of Irish granted working holiday visas for Australia

Figures released by Australia’s immigration department have shown that the number of young, Irish people travelling to Australia on working holiday visas has risen significantly.

The increasing popularity of the working visa programme, which is open to Irish people aged 18-30, has been linked to the current economic situation in Ireland. The current downturn has resulted in rising levels of unemployment and many young school leavers and graduates struggling to find work. They are looking further afield for opportunities, particularly Australia, because it offers such a great climate and lifestyle.

Some 12,790 Australian working holiday visas were granted in the last six months of 2008, which is up 52 % on the same period of 2007.

Tourism Australia has exploited social networking websites, such as Bebo and Myspace, to promote the country as a destination for young people. The tourist authority has also produced a gap year video series, which was shown on both sites, and was watched more than three million times last year alone.

Have you heard about our 20% discount on our Australian visa services?

If you are Irish and interested in living and working in Australia, why not contact Bridge Migration for advice and information.

Australia offers 'best job in world'

Do you want to live and work on a paradise island? How about earning a great salary while doing nothing more than lazing around a beautiful, tropical island paradise for 6 months?

If this sounds like a dream come true read on to see how you could land the best job in the world!

The Australian state of Queensland, has launched a global search for candidates for 'the best job in the world'. The winner will stay rent-free in a million dollar beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, and will be paid AUD $150,000 (US $105,000). It also includes free airfares to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

The winner will become the 'island caretaker' and must be an excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English. The main responsibilities will be making reports to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates. The job will also involve strolling the white sands, soaking up the sun, snorkeling the reef, 'maybe cleaning the pool'.

"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas. "The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."

"This is a legitimate job which is open to anyone and everyone." Applications are open until February 22. Eleven shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1.

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!

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