While 2012 saw some changes in the demographic of the typical Irish worker travelling to destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada, one factor has remained constant - the numbers looking to leave the country are increasing year on year. VisaFirst.com have released figures from their Irish customer database report for 2012 which show that, similar to the previous year, the ratio of males to females remains at 60:40, while the average age of visa applicants over all visa classes has risen from 29 to 32 years.
Commenting on the report Edwina Shanahan, manager at www.visafirst.com said, “The increase in the average age is interesting as it’s quite a big jump. The difficult work environment in Ireland is a primary driver here - in January of 2013 there were 1,0391 people on the live register in Westmeath. Unemployment is not just affecting the young and newly qualified, it’s taking its toll on people of all ages and all levels of expertise. The age jump may also have something to do with the fact that spousal applications are also on the rise - the number of spousal applications for Australia doubled last year. More and more families are seeing emigration as a better, if not their only, financially viable option.” VisaFirst.com say that their figures highlight the growing level of interest from certain trades and professions also – particularly teachers, welders, solicitors, mechanics and those in the IT industry. They say that there has also been a noted increase in applications from artic truck drivers because they are now in such high demand in Canada. Visafirst.com are holding free migration road shows throughout the country over the next couple of weeks to inform people of their options when it comes to working abroad - particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US.
This roadshow will come to the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone on Thursday March 7 at 7pm.
