Support migrant centric journalism today and donate
Ireland -- an economic powerhouse only a few years ago -- is seeing thoudsands of its citizens leave its shores each month for a better life in other countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia.
According to government statistics, the number of Irish immigrants heading to Canada tripled in the last decade. Since 2007, the number of Irish people immigrating to Canada has risen by 80 percent. And its neighbor, the United Kingdom, is now seeing 1,000 Irish nationals immigrate there each month.
Last year, 3,462 Irish immigrants gained permanent residency in Canada. Australia has also proved popular; In the 2008-2009 financial year over 1,500 Irish nationals immigrated to Australia permanently.
Immigration has become such a popular choice for skilled workers in Ireland that the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU), one of Irelands largest unions, now trains its members for work overseas.
According to the Economic and Social Research Institute, net migration from Ireland may reach 60,000 in 2011.
Irish skilled immigrants face little barriers when choosing to live and work in Britain due to the European Union's policy of free movement of labour. But they also have the benefit of speaking English natively when they choose to immigrate to Canada and Australia.
Canada and Australia both have successful skilled immigration Programs; A points based system grants applicants points based on various criteria such as age, qualifications, work experience, etc. If you gain enough points you will be granted a permanent residence visa.
