South Australia has become an increasingly attractive migration destination for entrepreneurs.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith told Parliament this sharp increase in business migration to South Australia in the past financial year follows additional funding to speed up application processing.

“In 2013-14, 130 new business migrants nominated to relocate to South Australia which is a significant increase from 37 in 2012-13,” Mr Hamilton-Smith told an estimates committee.

“This pleasing result reflects the hard work of Immigration SA to streamline the application process for business migration.”

“In 2013, the State Government allocated an additional $600,000 in funding over two years to help boost skilled and business migrant numbers in South Australia.

“Immigration SA has also rolled out an online platform that has improved the processing of information required to support a business migration application,

“This Government is actively seeking to attract eligible people to help drive the State’s economic growth.

“Bringing in business and skilled migrants is critical as it helps create further investment opportunities, jobs and greater industry capability.

“Immigration SA has also used this additional funding for overseas promotion of the benefits of moving to South Australia, including missions to China, Malaysia and Singapore.

“This approach to migrant attraction complements the State Government’s international engagement strategies, which outline the importance of forging a stronger alliance with Asia through cultural and business links to the region.

“As a member of State Cabinet, I’m pleased to now be in a position to work with Immigration SA to continue to promote South Australia as a migration destination.

“A comprehensive review of the state migration criteria and requirements and the subsequent recommendations have played a key role in the improved number of nominations.”

To find out more about business migration in South Australia visit: www.migration.sa.gov.au