Published by Gareth on July 8th, 2008 in Australia
Australia needs immigrants; these were the sentiments of the Australian government on Friday.
Not only do immigrants provide vital skills that are needed in sectors were shortages are rife but they also add to the cultural diversity of the country. This was the conclusion of Chris Evans, immigration minister, and other officials during a Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs meeting in Perth.
Those attending this meeting therefore welcomed the expansion of visas, such as the Working Holiday visa as well as other temporary and permanent visas.
Australia has finally realised the crucial need for immigrants if Australia wants to continue booming, believes www.globalvisas.com. The success of the country is ultimately in the hands of immigrants who will come and work in the country in occupations where the countries low unemployment rates equal labour shortages.
The members of this meeting also concluded that settlement services need to be escalated as the Australian population swells through immigration.
Published by Gareth on July 7th, 2008 in UK, Visas
In further development to the previous post concerning the imminent 2008 Olympic Games and the issue of obtaining visas for both athletes and visitors it seems that the UK has stepped up with new visas to prevent such actions happening prior to 2012.
It seems that the UK, whom have won the honour of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in London are taking learnings from the problems which China and Beijing in particular are experiencing.
In what appears to be an effort of preparation for the event the UK has announced potential plans to issue new short-term, low-cost visas for group travel and one-off special events.
According to a report in the Guardian Newspaper, the new system will include separate visas for sports people and entertainers and a clear and distinct visa category for business visitors.
Although not publicly deemed as being in aid of the Games, there is no doubt that such plans would ease any potential problems in getting visas for essential individuals.
The UK has officially said that they have been improving the short-term visa system to make the UK more attractive to business and tourism, while deterring those seeking to break the rule.
Under the new rules, sports people and support staff coming for specific events or joining UK amateur teams will be eligible to visit the UK for up to six months.
Speaking about the changes proposed by the UK Border and Immigration Agency, Minister for Sports Gerry Sutcliffe said “If we are going to make the UK the world’s best cultural and sporting nation by 2012, then we need to make sure that talented sportspeople and entertainers from all over the world come here to take part in the many sporting events, festivals, and shows we have on offer.” (CN)
Published by Gareth on July 3rd, 2008 in China
With the Olympic Games in Beijing rapidly approaching and China announcing tightened visa restrictions as well as rising prices, it seems many travelers, gap year students and sports enthusiasts alike are finding difficulties in getting into the country.
Four years ago when Beijing was announced as the host for the 2008 Olympic Games many worldly sports fans began planning their trips. In the same way that amateur athletes began their strict training regimes. However with time ticking and the Games arrival becoming ever more imminent much controversy has arisen regarding the cost of visas and the accessibility of them.
This week the Chinese Embassy in the UK more than doubled the cost of a tourist visa - a move that will hit Brits planning to head out there for the Beijing Olympics for sure. Under the new fees a family of four heading to the event will now face costs of around £400 in order to obtain their visas.
So why such a price hike? is the question which many are asking. The official line remains with the news of the Chinese Embassy outsourcing some of the administrative work associated with issuing visas.
Angry visitors whom have been hit by this rise debate whether or not the work even needs to be outsourced or if it does many argue that surely the Chinese embassy should have been able to pre-estimate this need and the costs in advance.
In contrasts many Chinese locals and officials support the increases and see it as a necessary movement in order to get all visas processed in time and the games opening without any problems.
There is also a thought by some that the prices are fair especially when Chinese citizens are forced to pay similar fees when coming to Britain.
Either way, it seems that this year’s games have prompted many a newspaper headline in the years preceding the event. Let’s just hope that as soon as the opening ceremony is underway, the hype surrounding such issues can be forgotten and the games can instead be remembered for exceptional sporting achievements.
Published by Gareth on July 2nd, 2008 in Australia
Australian travellers are opting for more environmentally friendly travel; this is according to research conducted by Contiki Holidays.
The world is becoming “greener”, with initiatives to become more environmentally conscious springing up all over the place. This has even filtered into the tourism industry.
Young Australians seem to be setting the standard as they realise the effects their travels can have on the environment. “The world is filled with young Australian tourists,” says Erin Ryan of www.globalvisas.com. She adds that this study shows that, “not only does their tourism benefit a country economically but they now aim to help the environment at the same time.”
According to the survey 54% of young Aussie travellers expressed a want to travel using carbon-neutral options.
These include the use of recycling bins while travelling, couch touring which is less pollutant, requesting that towels are not washed daily and travelling in tourist buses that use fish and chip oil to run. This however is only achievable by changes and developments within the tourism industry, whereby more carbon friendly practices are incorporated.
Despite the want to travel “green”, it must be noted that only 9% of those interviewed travel according to these standards. (TB)
