Perth-based skilled migration agency, Immigration Solutions Australia, and English language school, Phoenix Academy, are planning a delegation to French colony Reunion Island in October, with a view to recruiting students and skilled workers.
Perth-based skilled migration agency, Immigration Solutions Australia, and English language school, Phoenix Academy, are planning a delegation to French colony Reunion Island in October, with a view to recruiting students and skilled workers.
The consortium will be hosted by the Reunion Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a special event to profile Australia.
As part of the exchange, Education Minister Mark McGowan is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the French education department.
Phoenix Academy managing director, Brian Walsh, who is a member of the CCI WA’s international trade committee and was involved in establishing a memorandum of understanding between the two chambers of commerce, said the trip to Reunion Island would build on previous dialogue.
“We’ve been very actively cultivating a relationship with Reunion Island, to recruit students for Phoenix courses,” he told WA Business News.
This year’s planned delegation follows a visit to WA last November by a number of Reunion Island government officials.
The trip was a joint initiative of the WA education department, Murdoch University and Phoenix Academy.
Mr Walsh said there was good support from Reunion Island for more collaboration with WA.
“The government in Reunion Island really wants to raise this issue to the highest possible level,” he said.
The trip will also provide an opportunity for ISA to screen potential candidates for skilled migration and promote Western Australia as a strong employment market.
ISA director Noelene Merrey said Reunion Island’s high unemployment rate made it an attractive source of skilled migrant workers.
“It’s just an economy that is very flat and there is a high proportion of skilled people in Reunion Island,” she said.
“We’re looking at candidates for skilled migration and 457 temporary business visas, as well as promoting the working holiday makers visa.”
Reunion Island is classified as a low risk country by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and residents have a passport that is eligible for electronic processing.
Mrs Merrey said this low risk status would significantly expedite visa processing and would allow employers to tap into the potential workforce fairly quickly.
“It’s the perfect time of year for the hospitality industry, with the Melbourne Cup and Christmas, and the resources industry could benefit too,” she said.
Mrs Merrey said she was unsure of the number of people in Reunion Island who would be eligible for working visas, or would be likely to apply for a working holiday makers visa, but said the trip would be a good opportunity for the company to assess the talent pool.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WA) will not be sending a representative.
Meanwhile, the Small Business Development Corporation is planning its own mission to South Africa in September, as part of an Australian opportunities expo being held in the country.
The trip will include an expo in Johannesburg, and visits to Port Elizabeth and Durban.
