Tea with Sanath Vidyananda

Australia attracts skilled labour:

Hiran H.Senewiratne

Sri Lankan skilled workers have enormous potential in Australia but the critical factor is the low awareness level among Sri Lankans to find ideal employment opportunities, Managing Consultant- Australian Migration Consultants Sanath Vidyananda said.

Vidyananda is one of the Australian government registered migration agents operating in Australia and providing consultancy services to Sri Lanka. He said there are many opportunities for Sri Lankans who have the required skills, age and proper documents.

He said that people with required skills and proper documents will pave the way for Australian employment opportunities because the skill stream of Australia's migration programme is specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy.

Vidyananda said there is many a scope for professionals like doctors, engineers, nurses and skilled workers including welders, plumbers, AC mechanics and many more. Those interested could apply directly through the relevant authorities and proper channels.

It will not be a problem to get a visa from the Sri Lankan High Commission, he said. Vidyananda said the Australian Government has changed the migratory rules to attract professional and skilled labour into the country.

Generally, applicants must pass the General Skill Migration points test. Applicants are awarded points for skilled occupation, age, English language ability, specific work experience and partner skills are some them, he said.

Q: Why are many Sri Lankans going through a difficult time when obtaining visa from the Australian High Commission in Colombo?

One of the reasons many people encounter problems in obtaining a visa from the High Commission is the unawareness of certain critical factors. Those critical factors are designed by the Australian Government to attract young, highly skilled people with a good level of English language ability and skills in particular occupations that are required in Australia.

These occupations are listed in the Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) which shows the most sought after occupations in the country.

Q: The Australian Government has changed migratory rules for prospective expatriate workers. On what basis could they apply?

There are four main categories of skilled migrants i.e. general skilled migration, employer nomination, and business skill migration and distinguish talent. Therefore where the skilled categories are concerned the Australian government prefers to attract young people who are below the age of 45 years with a good level of English language ability and with some skills assessed as being suitable for that occupation by the relevant authority.

Therefore, if they apply with proper skills and proper documents it is easy to get employed in Australia.

Q: As the Australian Government has changed migration rules do you think Sri Lankans have a better scope?

Yes definitely. Immigration Department of Australia lists migration occupation demand, which are highly demanded occupations in the country periodically. At present there on acute demand for professionals and skilled workers, whom they couldn't meet the demand due to the lack of labour skills over the world that match with the government rules and regulations.

We have a lot of eligible people but the only drawback is the lack of awareness. People have to apply the proper way with relevant documents, which will help them find a suitable occupation.

Q: Some say rules are very strict to go to Australia even for a short period?

Australian Government has changed all migratory rules, which are very clear, and understandable and the applicant can understand whether he is eligible by looking at these requirements. They are also particular on the applicant's health condition and character.

Q: What is the Skill Matching Database?

The Skill Matching Database helps match skilled people who have applied to migrate with skilled vacancies or skill shortage in Australia. Employers and state/ territory governments use the database. Applicants applying for the following visas may choose to place their details on the Skill Matching Database.

Applicants who do not have their details on the database are not guaranteed a job in Australia or migration application approvals. This base could be accessed by state/territory governments who may then nominate an applicant for migration.

Q: You said that there are a lot of scope for business personnel and investors. In what way could they go to Australia?

The state/territory sponsored business skills visa allows Australian state and territory governments to attract business people to assist in the economic development of specific areas. In particular, State and Territory Governments are actively encouraging Business Skills migrants to set up business in regional, rural or low population growth areas.

Under this category the majority of Business Skills migrants will enter Australia on a Business Skill (Provisional) temporary visa for four years. After satisfactory evidence of a specified level of business or investment activity, holders of Business Skills (Provisional) visas may apply for permanent residence under the Business Skill (Residence) visa class.

There is provision for business owners, senior executives and investors. English language ability, business turnover and investment levels at both the provisional and permanent residence are taken into consideration. Generally business migrants need to be less than 55 years of age unless the business will bring exceptional economic benefits.

Q: Why do you like Australia?

I have visited a lot of countries in the world. But I like Australia most because it has a world of opportunities and good cultured people.

This is my 19th year in Australia but still I love my motherland where I was born and brought up. I like to visit Queensland in Australia, which has a tropical weather close to Sri Lanka.

Q: What are the place do you like to visit most in Sri Lanka?

My hometown is Anuradhapura and I like to visit my village very much. Other than that I like to visit down south and many parts of the country in Sri Lanka.

Q: What is the advice you are giving Sri Lankans who are planning to migrate to Australia?

People who are planning to migrate to Australia must help Sri Lankans in every manner which is the need of the hour. I have to say that once you migrate to Australia, we should not forget Sri Lanka and its culture.

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Bio-data

Name - Sanath Vidyananda

Schools attended - Anuradhapura Madyama Maha Vidyalaya and Nalanda College, Colombo

Qualifications -

Academic -

Bachelor of Business - University of Swineburne

Diploma in Banking and Finance - Holmesglin Institute.

Professional -

Senior Associate - Australasian Institute of Banking and Finance

Civil Status - Married, has two children.