Australia is gaining more popularity amongst Irish nationals.

Figures from the Australian immigration department reveal that the number of Irish nationals moving to Australia and being granted permanent residency has almost doubled in the past year.

Temporary Australian visas and work permits are also becoming more and more popular among Irish nationals. During the same period, the number of Irish nationals applying for working visas in Australia has seen an increase of one-third to the past years numbers.

The news comes just as the Irish Government announces its intentions to tighten up its own Ireland immigration procedures by considering the introduction of a new visa requirement from people who come from the 11-non-EU countries.

The authorities in both the countries are very keen to encourage would-be Australian immigrants to be careful regarding the company they select to help them with their Australian visa applications.

There are concerns that some Irish nationals are being ripped off by an amount as large as Euros 4000 by unregistered agents who promise to help with their applications.

According to the annual Irish Down Under magazine, only six legitimate migration agents of Ireland are registered in Australia. The magazine also claims that Ireland currently has no regulation system which could monitor unscrupulous migration agents.