Immigration: how to become Australian
easyexpat
28 December, 2007 04:33
Australia is a nation of immigrants. 45% of Australians were born abroad or have one of their parent born abroad. From the 21 millions of inhabitants in the country today, 6.6 millions had arrived since October 1945, coming from 200 different countries, amongst them 10% from humanetarian programmes. In the period 2001-2006 755,000 immigrants arrived. And Australia will have added more than 150,000 in 2007.
Each year, the Australian government gives an immigration target, depending to the need in work force, without discrimination. In 2007, the country will have welcomed 102,000 immigrant workers with their family, 13,000 refugees and about 20,000 for family reunion.
Candidates to immigrate fill their demand on the Internet and calculate their points: they need 100 points to get a 3 year work visa.If the candidate is fluent in English 25 points; between 30 and 34 year old: 25 points; he is doctor (they lack them): 60 points; he's ok to work in the countrysideC 20 points ...
In order to become Australian you'll ned to pas a test of citizenship that requires to read a small book "Life in Australia" (similar to the test you have to pas to become British: all answers are in the book).
The day you become Australian, a ceremony takes place in the town hall. You will get an envelope with a little flag, two forms of the bending (choice between: in front of God, or to the nation), and the text of the national anthem that will be sang at the end. In addition each new citizen receive a certificate of nationality and get his/her photo taken with it.
Source: Le Monde, 29th November 2007
