Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has been listed amongst the finalists to win an e-award for best e-Government services, thanks to its online facilities which aid people looking to relocate to Australia.

The recession has seen an upturn in the number of people seeking a better lifestyle and a more sound economic climate, and the DIAC website has provided a great deal of much-needed support and information for the thousands of people in Europe and Asia currently considering a move Down Under.

Amongst its most useful facilities, the DIAC website’s visa e-wizard has been hailed for its easily accessible information and advice on Australian skilled migration.

A Department of Immigration spokesperson said: “People no longer need to sift through the entire website looking for information that is relevant to them, which was often found in multiple locations.

“People can quickly and easily find routine visa and citizenship pre-lodgement information without contacting a departmental office or call centre.”

The DIAC claims that usage of the three wizards, which were launched in October 2008, has exceeded expectations by more than 50 per cent.