Immigration newsletter 11 Jan 2004

As world economy is on the rise, so is the demand for skilled professionals from abroad. Scotland is seeking to boost its work force by attracting 8,000 migrant workers per year till 2009. In a speech recently, UK Home Secretary David Blunkett said there are 600,000 vacancies in the UK economy and that there is a lot to learn from the Scottish example.

Also Australia has recognized a shortage of professionals in almost every one of its states. Demand is so high that criteria for applying for a visa and work permit there have been lowered.

In Canada it has been decided that immigrants to Saskatchewan will receive English language training as the authorities there have recognized the necessity for foreign professionals to be able to communicate.

On a more technical note, the UK is set to introduce a computer system with the ability to identify immigrants and travelers on the spot. The system will be used to cross check people against various registers of criminals and terrorists. Still, the system will not be fully operational before 2008.