Australia grants Santa a visa

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced it has granted Father Christmas a Significant Investor visa, just in time for Christmas.

According to the Department, Santa has committed to investing in local toy manufacturers as an alternative to his elves in the North Pole, ensuring all children in Australia receive their toys on time and helping to bolster the industry. 

Father Christmas in Australia

Father Christmas in Oz

 

A departmental spokesman said that in previous years, Santa entered Australia on business short stay visas, but this year his desire to make a significant investment in toy manufacturing in the country led him to subclass 188 Significant Investor visa.

 

“The purpose of the significant investor visa is to boost the local economy and compete for investment migration on an international scale,” the spokesman said.

 

“Due to Mr Claus’ successful business model, we are confident his investment will contribute to the local workforce and the economy.”

 

Using SkillSelect, an online resource connecting skilled workers and Australian employers and state and territory government agencies, Santa submitted an expression on interest (EOI) and waited patiently for an invitation to lodge a visa application.

 

After satisfying all requirements and making his AUS$5 million complying investment by investing in toy factory Festive Toys Inc., Santa secured the employment of hundreds of local and interstate elves – an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have been granted.

“The grant of this latest significant investor visa to Santa Claus caps off a fantastic year for the programme, with more than AUS$325 million in complying investments from applications since the programme began on 24th November 2012, and I have no doubt that Santa’s addition to this list will add to the strength of toy manufacturing in Australia,” the spokesman said.

 

Article published 24th December 2013

 

Father Xmas & Kangaroo