AS HUNDREDS CONTINUE to queue outside the RDS to gain entry to the Working Abroad Expo, organisers have had to close the door to those without tickets.

Thousands of people are attending the exhibition searching for opportunities not available to them in Ireland. Eighty companies are recruiting at the event but advice on visas and other aspects of emigration is also available.

Jobseekers have been persuaded to attend the expo by reports of attractive employment packages in countries suffering from skills shortages. In particular, there are a number of employers from Canada and Australia who have taken up stands.

Just some of the jobs on offer include physicians positions in Canada which come with a promise of $500,000 earnings and $55,000 in assistance to “get settled”, as well as a house and a car.

Charlie Melia, a business consultant for a company recruiting such doctors for Canada, told TheJournal.ie that the companies are delighted with the crowds that have flocked to the RDS.

“The company I work for got about 150 CVs yesterday and will be delighted to receive the same today,” he said.

It is understood that because of the unprecedented demand for entry, a second day may be added to the event’s Cork programme next week. There are also rumours floating around the RDS that some companies may return to the Dublin venue tomorrow.

The exhibition opened one hour earlier this morning and is to close at 6pm – an hour later than scheduled – in attempts to allow more people access.

At the RDS, there are also queues of people lining up to speak to employers at each booth. More than 5,000 people attended the event yesterday.