Chinatown in Melbourne is a popular hotspot for Chinese immigrants.
The UK used to account for the biggest number of people immigrating to Australia, but not anymore. China has just overtaken both the UK and New Zealand to claim the biggest number of immigrants to Australia.
Figures released by the government show that 6,350 Chinese immigrants arrived in Australia in the last four months alone.
But far from China suddenly having an upsurge in people wishing to emigrate to Australia, the Australian Government point to a steep decline in the number of people emigrating to Oz from the UK and New Zealand. And that, they say, is down to the recession and people holding onto the jobs they have at home rather than trying their luck abroad.
Immigration figures from the UK dropped 28% whilst people leaving New Zealand for Australia were almost halved, down by a staggering 47%.
China however, has not been hit as hard by the global recession and workers are still seeing Australia as an attractive place to work despite frosty relations between their two countries.
British visa applicants to Australia are still reeling from the cuts the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) made in the number of skilled workers allowed to settle there and the changes made to priority processing, that saw many skilled workers, applying for state sponsorship, being told they may have to wait a further three years to have their applications finalised.
Whilst New Zealanders don’t need Australian visas to enter the country, they are preferring to stay at home because of economic conditions.
But with Australian state governments demanding more skilled migrants to fill gaps in the workforce, and the new Future Skills List due out this month, perhaps potential migrants are just waiting to see what the New Year brings.
With house prices in Australia rising though and the Australian dollar getting stronger, there couldn’t be a better time to emigrate to Australia. If you are thinking of taking the plunge, read our guide to living in Australia. Also why not pop along to one of the many seminars held by Next Step Australia where you can speak to experts about getting a job in Australia, buying a house, setting up bank accounts and whether or not it’s the right move for you.Â
Our Australian forum are also on hand to answer niggly questions and discuss anything related to Australia.
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