Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Canadian Immigration Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Eid al-Fitr

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Eid al-Fitr:
"Known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal on the Islamic calendar, signaling the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and the start of a three-day feast. 
For Muslims in Canada and around the world, this important Islamic holiday is a time marked by congregational prayers, charitable giving to those in need, and festive meals. It is also a time of joyous celebration with family and friends.
For all Canadians, this day provides a terrific opportunity to learn more about the Muslim faith and to reflect on the vast contributions of the Muslim community to Canadian society.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a happy and healthy Eid al-Fitr holiday celebration."

Saturday, August 18, 2012

EID UL FITAR IN AUSTRALIA


Australia

In Australia, a predominantly non-Muslim, secular country, Muslims are able to practice their religion with great freedom. Most large companies allow for special religious holidays allowing Muslims to take a day off for Eid ul-Fitr. Areas where there are large (but not necessarily majority) Muslim populations have overflowing attendances at the mosque for the Eid ul-Fitr prayer and police frequently block off roads and divert traffic to cater for the prayer and subsequent festivities. Eid prayers are also held in open areas (playground, stadium) in some places.
In 1987, The Australian MEFF Consortium commenced the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair to celebrate Eid in Sydney, held shortly after Eid ul-Fitr. The festival has grown to now cater for tens of thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims and has included as guests Yusuf Islam, famous Australian footballer, Hazem El Masri, the then Governor-General of Australia, Michael Jeffery and the previous Premier of New South Wales, Kristina Keneally. This festival has now been replicated in cities all around Australia. The biggest Eid fair in Melbourne is held in Broadmeadows usually on the weekend following the Eid day. In Canberra, the capital of Australia, Eid Festival sponsored by Australian Federal Police (AFP) is held on the following Sunday after the Eid day. The festival includes stalls from different nations, cultutral program, and numerous entertaining rides for kids and adults.

Did you know: EID-UL-FITAR IN CANADA


Canada

For Eid ul-Fitr, just as in the United States, most Canadian Muslims will take a day off from work and go to prayers held in big-city mosques or Islamic centres, convention halls or sports arenas. Muslims from different cultures with multi-national customs get together for prayers and celebrations. In the larger cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, congregational prayers may be done at multiple times to accommodate the large number of attendees. Many Muslims will visit each other's homes on the Eid day or the days following to attend designated "open houses" in which everyone is welcome to visit. Children receive gifts or money, and sweets and tasty dishes are served throughout the day. Smaller Muslim communities, particularly in the rural areas, hold other communal gatherings in mosques or rented community halls. Muslims also donate money or contribute to their local food banks on this day for those who are less fortunate.
In many Canadian communities, Muslim organizations and mosques also hold large Eid parties that are open to the entire Muslim community. Some groups may reserve amusement parks or other activity centers for an entire day of fun and celebration, while others may hold public Eid parties in mosques as a means of outreach to the larger non-Muslim society.
Students from Canadian schools usually take 2–3 days off, due to the fact that Eid is a major holiday in the Islamic culture.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

What is Skill Select & Expression of Interest in Australian Immigration process?


SkillSelect & EOI

The Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a pathway for skilled workers to emigrate to Australia, and SkillSelect is the current tool that controls GSM eligibility criteria and the visa application process.
The main focus of SkillSelect is to make it easier to obtain employer sponsorship, as the system intends to provide a clearer route for potential migrants to link up with Australian employers.

What is SkillSelect?

Anyone applying to emigrate to Australia based on their experience as a skilled worker is required to apply through SkillSelect. SkillSelect is the Australian government's new online system which allows skilled workers interesting in moving to Australia to be considered for a skilled Australian visa.
In order to begin the application process, skilled workers will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is merely an indication that you would like to apply for an Australian visa and is not a visa application in itself. However, you will still need to include a range of information including: 
  • Personal information;
  • Desired/nominated profession;
  • Work experience;
  • Education;
  • English language proficiency;
  • A Skills Assessment relevant to your nominated profession; AND
  • Business and investment experience (if applicable)
By registering an EOI on SkillSelect, skilled workers can be found and nominated for an Australian visa by employers as well as state and territory governments. Once selected, you will then be invited to apply for an Australian visa.
After you have completed your EOI, you will be given a points score and ranked by an automatic and objective process. If eligible, you will then be invited to apply for an Australian skilled independent visa.  You may also be invited to apply for a visa if sponsored by a state or territory government or an Australian employer, if you have indicated you would like to pursue these options.

What happens when I have been selected to apply for an Australian visa through SkillSelect?

If you have been selected to apply for a visa, you will have 60 days to apply, after which the invitation will expire. If you aren’t selected however, your EOI will remain valid for two years, during which time you are able to update your EOI with any experience or details you wish.

Interested in applying?

Please email your updated bio-data / CV / Resume on info@alhamza.pk for Assessment. You can also visit www.alhamza.pk for further information. 
Visit our official website for further information www.alhamza.pk

 
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