AUSTRALIAS migrants are abandoning their adopted country at record levels - using the lucky country as a stepping stone to a better life. The number of former migrants leaving country has doubled in just over a decade to 48,000 and last year made up more than half of all Australians moving overseas. It is not homesickness driving the numbers, but a new wave of country-hopping migrants looking for the best deal. Todays migrants can use Australia as a stepping stone to go to other countries, said Associate Professor Val Colic-Peisker from the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. They are skilled migrants who can then be headhunted by Scotland, Malaysia and other countries. They go where the best work is. The most recent figures from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection show 40 per cent of migrants who decided to leave Australia did not return to their native home. New Zealand was the first choice for country-hopping immigrants followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK and USA. Migrants from Afghanistan and South Africa are the most likely to move on, with more than 80 per cent moving overseas after settling here. More than a third are employed as professionals or managers. New Zealands Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said Australian residents entering the country will normally be granted a residence class visa to enter and stay, work and study in New Zealand, as long as they are of good character. And providing information on permanent residency in Australia simplifies the process of achieving residency in Hong Kong. Dr Yadu Singh, President of the Indian Australian Association of NSW, said Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates are the popular choice of former immigrants from India. He said these countries are more accustomed to migrants in the workforce. Many come to Australia and are working in jobs they are over-qualified for because they are told they need local experience, he said. This can lead to disillusionment and even depression. The opportunities and earnings can be better elsewhere. According to Dr Singh, foreign companies will head hunt immigrants who have worked in Australia. Australian experience and even getting a degree or diploma makes them more marketable. But New Zealand is not high on the list for Indian immigrants. I know more people that are leaving New Zealand, Dr Singh said. They wait three years to receive a passport and then come to Australia. Westpacs Head of Migrant Banking, Jennifer West, is keen to encourage immigrants to stay in Australia because of the financial and cultural benefit they provide to Australia. Research by Westpac on new Australians, released to coincide with Australia Day, reveals migrants contribute $200 billion to the Australian economy annually and almost one quarter are in jobs earning $70,000 or more. The US, Canada and New Zealand are proactive in attracting new skilled migrants, she said. But our research shows Australians are welcoming of immigrants and Australia Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the role new Australians play in our society.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 08:36:23 +0000
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