The destination of choice
43% of a recently-surveyed group of Britons disclosed that they would consider relocating to Australia. As it stands, one third of Britons who do migrate choose ‘down under’ as their destination of choice, with a large majority of those choosing Australia. And migrant numbers to Australia have more than doubled (from 9000 to 23,000) in the last decade. So what is it that is so enticing? Why are people migrating to Australia in their biggest numbers since the government’s post-war ‘Populate or Perish’ scheme?
The Lucky Country
Culturally, at least on the face of it, Australia and England are close. They share language, education systems and much of their history. On top of this apparent similarity there is the draw of warm weather and an enviable lifestyle born of an outdoorsy, ‘work to live, not live to work’ attitude. Moving to Australia is often a lifestyle choice. Referred to as ‘the Lucky Country’, Australia offers space, a high standard of living, relatively cheap real estate, ancient and varied landscapes, temperate weather, world-leading education and health systems and political and economic stability.
It’s never been easier!
It has also never been easier to relocate to Australia. With the government recently announcing an expansion of its Skilled Migrant Visa numbers, there are ever-growing opportunities for potential migrants with experience from the UK. Add to this the ease with which qualifications are recognised between the two countries, the relative simplicity of transferring pensions schemes and Australian companies crying out for skilled workers and you have an attractively easy process for disenfranchised Brits to consider.
Get happy
Studies confirm that those Britons that do make the move to Australia are extremely happy with their decision. The Changing Settlement Experience of New Migrants Report shows that 95% of skilled migrants have employment within 18 months of arrival and 94% are ‘very satisfied’ with their new lives.
Senator Amanda Vanstone of the Australian government sums up the development of the immigration success, saying “Not only are we attracting more skilled migrants than ever before, but these publications show that they are also happy with their lives in Australia and are becoming highly successful.”