Australia ranks among the Top 5 countries when it comes to immigration and openness. The country takes in 800,000 migrants a year, mostly workers looking for jobs and retirees looking for permanent homes.
Open to Immigration
Close to 30 percent of Australians came from another country. Australia normally takes in close to 200,000 permanent migrants a year and another 600,000 temporary workers and students. Although annual immigration limits have been cut to 160,000 a year, the number is still high, considering the country’s measly 25 million people. The country’s open immigration policy has made it a melting pot of people and culture, particularly in Melbourne. Its suburbs are home to people from various countries, transforming both social and commercial aspects of the city.
Dozens of restaurants specialising in different cuisines line Victoria and Peel Street, allowing residents to sample various foods from different countries. The varying cultures have had a clear influence on the main, as even pubs play a mishmash of music from different places. Australians are some of the most welcoming of people, and culture clashes are seldom and minor. An environment of acceptance is promoted, and the number of immigrants wanting to make Australia their home is a testament to the country’s openness.
High Demand for Skilled Work
Australia needs workers, particularly tradesmen or tradies. Most Australians prefer office work over trade jobs, even if the average plumber earns over 4 times the office worker’s salary. Although the government is actively promoting various trade jobs (and salaries for plumbers, sparkies, and chippies surpass $100.000 a year), Australians are still not biting. The country’s aversion to blue-collar work has forced it to source its skilled workers from other countries, most of them nearby in Asia. Temporary migrants make up more than 10 percent of the country’s workforce. Some of them opt to become permanent residents, and some choose to go home after a year.
More than 1 million temporary visas are issued every year (some extensions from the previous one). The visas are used to attract skilled workers, particularly bricklayers, cabinet makers, carpenters, electricians, fabricators, plasterers, and roof tilers. The various territories have different quotas and demands, but most migrants immediately find work upon their arrival. Although the government is actively promoting various trade jobs (and salaries for plumbers, sparkies, and chippies surpassing $100.000 a year), Australian citizens are still not biting.
Retirees from All Over
More than 200,000 UK retirees live in Australia, and retirees from India and China are also growing. More than 180 nations have citizens who settled in Australia, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. Retirees from Europe cite the weather and the low cost of living as the primary draws, while Asian retirees cite safety, healthcare, and quality of life.
Living in Australia can cost significantly less than in the UK (by up to 20 to 30 percent). Australia’s warm weather is welcomed by retirees with joint pains or problems. Indian retirees enjoy the sparse population and accepting culture, while Chinese retirees find more freedom in the country. The laid-back life is also a big draw, as most retirees choose to spend their days in the suburbs. Suburban life is free from the noise, congestion, pollution, and other problems associated with big city living.
Integrating with Society
Australians are a tolerant lot, but migrants should still do their best to integrate into society. Learning the language is essential, whether spoken or written. Of course, if you’re an English speaker, you’ll only have to adapt to the Aussie accent. Language courses are offered in schools or online, and bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne will have hundreds of private English tutors to help you learn the language. Migrants are also expected to be respectful, considerate, and understanding, particularly regarding the culture, religion, and ideas of the various nationalities that form Australian society.
You are free to practice your beliefs and traditions, as long as it doesn’t break any laws or adversely affect other people. Accept where you are and try not to overly criticise Australian society or compare it with something else in front of other Australians. If you are having problems integrating, ask for help from your community or make friends with people from your country of origin. They can guide you on Australian norms, including the constant swearing, the love for cricket, Galaxy hop beers, and the mysterious Vegemite.
Migrants are more than welcome in Australia. Whether workers or retirees, the country is a great place to live and work, especially with its culture of acceptance and tolerance.
