[Dedré]

We got to Canada, thinking it would be the end of our struggles. But lo and behold it is not. Work is scarce and we are still not permanent residence. How is it all effecting you guys? What are you guys doing to cope with it all?

[Bluebonnet]

Dedré, on Feb 4 2009, 02:20 AM, said:

We got to Canada, thinking it would be the end of our struggles. But lo and behold it is not. Work is scarce and we are still not permanent residence. How is it all effecting you guys? What are you guys doing to cope with it all?

Husband has work, I am still unemployed, but I stopped searching since I decided to learn something else. (taking care of the elderly) I will be done in a year, and then hopefully things will have improved. But I am hopeful, we are not starving, it is just that the International School for my son here in Switzerland is so expensive, and that makes a second income necessary, very necessary. Work is definitely scarce. I am happy for our savings, always believed to save for a rainy day. It helps in this troubled times.

[Dedré]

I think you guys are doing what everyone should. This is the perfect time to study what you always dreamt of doing.

[Marli]

So far, we have not been directly affected by the Financial Crises. However, I come into contact with many companies daily that have major layoffs. I also think that if someone lost their jobs now, they should spend the time, learning a new skill.

[UrsulaS]

Hi There

I was wondering how the economic crisis is affecting those on work permits in Europe. We've all heard the 'horror stories' of South Africans having to return from Oz cos their work permits weren't renewed. Does anyone have any comments about the situation in Europe?

[Dedré]

I just know that the Working Holiday has been cancelled. As for Work Permits, I think they are more strict... we have a friend who have not yet found a job. He is in Change Management. We are praying that he does.

[Paisley]

In Ireland they also stopped all work permits. Renewals are allowed on the condition that your are still emplyed. I was recently granted 5 year residence to work without work permit and no restrictions. Bit of relieve, but if there is no work it is not much help. If you lose you job while on work permit you have to leave the country if your are not able to find new position. Most work permits in Ireland are tied to the employer so new employer has to proof that he cannot find local or EU citizen to do the job. Has to advertise for three weeks before you as non-EU person are allowed to be employed. Ireland is hit the hardest in the EU regarding the economic turndown.
To put it bluntly, they are basically bankrupt. I am not familiar with the UK, but know that friend of mine son, lost his job and he was told to leave the country. He persuaded them to allow him to stay, which they did on the condition that he is not allowed to work.
My advice to people is to stay celar from the UK or Ireland as work is very scarce.

[UrsulaS]

Paisley, on Jun 15 2009, 04:59 PM, said:

In Ireland they also stopped all work permits. Renewals are allowed on the condition that your are still emplyed. I was recently granted 5 year residence to work without work permit and no restrictions. Bit of relieve, but if there is no work it is not much help. If you lose you job while on work permit you have to leave the country if your are not able to find new position. Most work permits in Ireland are tied to the employer so new employer has to proof that he cannot find local or EU citizen to do the job. Has to advertise for three weeks before you as non-EU person are allowed to be employed. Ireland is hit the hardest in the EU regarding the economic turndown.
To put it bluntly, they are basically bankrupt. I am not familiar with the UK, but know that friend of mine son, lost his job and he was told to leave the country. He persuaded them to allow him to stay, which they did on the condition that he is not allowed to work.
My advice to people is to stay celar from the UK or Ireland as work is very scarce.

Gee, Sounds pretty grim. It has recently been announced that SA is in a recession now too. They're saying it won't be as bad as the EU though - probably the 2010 Soccer World Cup that's helping the economy at the moment. According to some international News stations things are starting to look better in Europe and the US. I was wondering if anyone has noticed this improvement yet?

[Dedré]

They announced earlier today that here in Calgary things are also looking better. I hope it is true. But its also close to Stampede time... I know spending pushes an economy forward.

[UrsulaS]

Dedré, on Jun 23 2009, 06:33 AM, said:

They announced earlier today that here in Calgary things are also looking better. I hope it is true. But its also close to Stampede time... I know spending pushes an economy forward.

It would be great if it is nearing an end.

[Paisley]

Ursula: What worry me the most of SA is what will happen after the 2010 Cup? Will economy continue to grow or will it all come to an abrupt halt. I feel very uncertain about things after 2010.

[UrsulaS]

Paisley, on Jun 24 2009, 08:09 PM, said:

Ursula: What worry me the most of SA is what will happen after the 2010 Cup? Will economy continue to grow or will it all come to an abrupt halt. I feel very uncertain about things after 2010.

I have to admit, that's what worries me too. I'd like to be optimistic but I am very wary.
I wonder too if their will really be as many tourists as was initially thought... It's understandable that many would-be-tourists may re-think their trip due to the recession.