Odi And Peter

[poliphilo]

Peter and Odi have had their latest appeal for asylum turned down. I think this was the last appeal they were allowed. Of course, being turned down doesn't mean they'll have to leave any time soon. As far as I can make out the immigration system is a shambles. I have never understood why some people are banged up in detention camps and others- like Peter and Odi- are given houses to live in and social workers to watch over them. 

Ailz suggested they apply for work visas to one or other of the countries that are actively seeking to boost their work force through immigration. This cheered Odi up;  it had never occured to her that she could move round the globe as anything other than an asylum seeker. I did some online research. Canada looks the best bet- with over 100,000 visas granted so far this year- but Australia, New Zealand and Spain are also in the running. Peter and Odi are young, well educated and imbued with the Protestant work ethic;  why wouldn't Canada want them?

Or am I being naive?

Comments

[arielstarshadow.livejournal.com]

I looked into emigrating, and no one wanted me unless I was 1) already wealthy or 2) had certain very highly desirable skill sets.

I eventually gave up.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Hmmm.

Peter has experience in care homes and the like. With an ageing population the Canadians might be happy to admit someone willing to do that sort of work. Perhaps.

[ron-broxted.livejournal.com]

Just back from a Canada interview. Extra marks for Francophones. Aussie said I am too old but not the Canucks. Immigration is indeed a joke, lots of Somalians walking about Belfast working on the side. NZ hard to get into. Spain 30% on the dole.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Peter and Odi are Francophone. Cameroon has three languages (apart from all the tribal ones)- English, French and Pidgin.

[jenny_evergreen]

Canada was easy to get into until a couple of years ago when they restricted entry to "desired occupations"; if you aren't in one or don't get hired for a job (that has to be offered to Canadians first), then you need a ton of money to get in. (Which is why we are currently stuck.)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Ah....

But I don't suppose there's any harm in trying. The first thing will be to find out what the "desired occupations" are.

[jenny_evergreen]

Oh, definitely no harm in trying! The Canadian immigration site has a questionaire one can take to see if one is likely to get in. :)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yes, I saw that. I need to print it off and give Peter and Odi a copy.

[veronikos.livejournal.com]

Naive, I think. Although I am sure they are very nice, smart people.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I was afraid I'd be told as much...

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

Spain is actively discouraging immigrants these days unless you're so special you have skills they can't get otherwise (extremely rare). They are rather kinder here to asylum seekers, though it's always a risk to try that route.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Spain would be a long shot I think...

Thanks for the inside information :)

[ibid.livejournal.com]

The whole thing is so bloody stupid. Bah! Why can't we just live where we want? Bloody countries!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more.

[treehavn.livejournal.com]

If their jobs are on the desired professions list, they can find an employer to sponsor their immigration, or they have family here then they are in with a chance. Age isn't an issue, but a medical condition that may be a future drain on govt finances could be. The govt citizenship and immigration website has a points questionnaire that they can use to determine likelihood.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Good. You make it sound like they're in with a chance. No-one in that family has health issues.

[laciann.livejournal.com]

My part of Canada is desperate for medical people, and for people in the trades. They're counting on a huge wave of immigrants. Can't hurt to try!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It sounds like they're in with a chance.

[trixibelle-net.livejournal.com]

In my experience, complete bloody nightmare trying to get in anywhere. Unless you have a job or qualification in a country's specified skills shortage list or a lot of money to buy your way in, you're buggered. Canada gives extra points to Francophones and it's probably worthwhile them going to websites such as this. Australia is constantly trying to fill up, and is constantly updating and changing its skills shortage list so it's worth keeping an eye out. America is impossible.
Do they not get any kind of leeway since their baby was born here? I would have thought that entitled them to something, the baby must legally be a UK citizen now?

[trixibelle-net.livejournal.com]

Just realised I said 'born here' despite the fact I haven't lived in England for 2 years and am moving to The Netherlands haha. Seems it shall always be my default!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Odi and Peter are Francophone, so that's a plus.

Unfortunately, Britain changed the rules a few years back- and being born here doesn't entitle you to citizenship any more. I think it's outrageous, but you can't argue with the law.

[trixibelle-net.livejournal.com]

Oh for goodness sake! Can't believe they snuck that one past us. That's awful good grief.

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

Heartbreaking.

I hope Canada "wants them." Imagine being unwanted by an entire country.