The major English speaking countries are out of step in their tentative returns to post-pandemic normality. In the Northern hemisphere, the Canadian, UK and US borders are all reopening – so if you’re looking to emigrate to one of those countries, now’s the time to prepare for your IELTS test.
In the Pacific, though, Australia and New Zealand are off the agenda (for now). But not forever – and when they do reopen to overseas travellers, English speaking students and migrant workers will be welcomed with open arms.
OET News
OET announces 11 September test suspensions in some countries
The healthcare English test administrator has announced that some tests due to be held on Saturday 11 September in Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington, Colombo and Kandy will not go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions. More info here: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/coronavirus-update/.
OET qualification for nurses now recognised by Washington State, USA
English speaking nurses from abroad now have an easier route to a medical career in the US Pacific Northwest, with the OET test officially recognised in Washington.
International employment news
Skilled migrants are leaving Australia and New Zealand en masse
With both Australia’s and New Zealand’s borders remaining firmly closed as another wave of Covid-19 spreads through both countries, independent research shows the disruption to everyday life is having a significant impact on the availability of migrant labour.
In Australia, over half a million migrants have left since the beginning of the pandemic. And in New Zealand, net migration is just a fraction of levels seen before 2020 – with an overall fall in the number of workers from overseas.
For English speakers looking to emigrate to Australia or New Zealand when borders reopen, this may well, ultimately, be good news; both economies now need new migrants more than ever.
UK big business calls on government to allow more migration from the EU
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), an organisation that represents large companies in the UK, has again asked the British government to relax the new rules on EU immigration which came into force after Brexit. Many businesses – particularly supermarkets, whose supply chains rely on lorry drivers – are experiencing disruption because of a shortage of some types of workers currently in short supply.
Canadian provinces invite over 3,400 skilled migrants from abroad in August
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), which are designed to allow provincial governments to select the migrants who best suit their local labour market shortages, issued more than 3,400 visas last month. The PNPs create visa pathways in addition to those offered by the federal government and are expected to create opportunities for 80,000 English or French-speaking migrants per year until 2023.
International study news
UK needs overseas students, report finds – but the country’s popularity is declining
According to a new study, the 272,000 students who migrated to the UK from abroad for university in 2018-19 will generate £26 billion in economic activity, equivalent to £390 for every person in the country per year.
The research shows the value international study continues to add in the UK – yet at the same time, other research suggests British universities’ popularity may be waning among students from overseas.