When you are growing up, everyone tells you to get educated, get a great job, and see the world. Three bucket list items that we all have in the back of our minds to tick off. One of them is to see the world, but have you ever considered combining them all? Wherever you are in the world, there are always bigger and better things to see outside of your local bubble. It’s not that where you live sucks (though it might), it’s just that where you live isn’t Australia, and this is somewhere that you really want to be!
If you have ever considered migrating to Australia, you’re in the right place. You may not be off to see the Wizard, but you are still looking down the yellow brick road to Oz at the end of it. The land of opportunities, growing economy, and political stability. There is an excellent reason that nurses and doctors all over the world are jumping flights to Australia, and it’s not just about the shortage of professionals in the workforce. Australia has a beautiful landscape, and as the population isn’t as high as other places in the world, it’s as yet unsullied. There is a plethora of desirable places to live: Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, and Sydney included.
However – there’s always a however – Australia isn’t paved with gold. Nurses and doctors may be headed this way, but it’s not a simple process. There are background checks, criminal checks, skills checks, medical checks with Coal Board Medical to pass. There is money to be put down, research to be done, and a LOT of time spent waiting around before you get the green light to get on that plane in the first place. So, it would help if you weighed up the pros and cons of such a monumental decision to move and make this choice with the rose-tinted glasses taken off. Let’s help you out!
Migration Pros
Let’s start with the good stuff; rose tinted or not!
Excellent Healthcare
If there is one thing that Australia does right, it’s healthcare. There are both public and private hospitals dotted in all of the major cities and towns, and they are well-equipped with the right infrastructure to handle the visitors who flow through. People can take their pick between private and public healthcare, and the Government is on hand to help with expenses for care through Medicare. This is the healthcare system that originated back in the 1980s, and it ensures that every single person in Australia has superior and affordable healthcare.
Education On Point
Everyone and anyone will tell you about high-quality education in Australia. Private schools are far more accessible here than many other places in the world, with competitive fees and an excellent jumping-off point for children. Public schools are just as good, too, with professional staff and high-quality services enjoyed by children of all ages. Adult learners are well supported, and there is a long list of world-class institutions supporting those going into higher education.
Religious Freedom
A big part of the reason Australia is a wonderful place to be is in its freedom of religion. The Government is one that gives people the chance to worship whichever religion they like, and does not hold an official religion itself. People are treated equally no matter whom they worship, and religious laws are not legal in Australia.
Lifestyle & Culture
Australia does people in a way nowhere else does. If you’re looking for a laidback, friendly lifestyle, you’re in the right place. There are events hosted all year round in every city, and there are clean parks, excellent sporting events and festivals wherever you go. With great food, excellent public transport links and low crime rates, Australia has become one of the most desirable places for people to migrate.
Employment Opportunities
You want to live somewhere that has everything to offer, and Australia has that. There are plenty of people who end up in Oz because the working conditions are far superior to most places in the world. So many people arrive from around the world to Australia purely because they know exactly what Australia can offer them in terms of benefits, salary and time with family. There is less pressure on people here and the working week provides for families who want to grow.
Migration Cons
So, now we’ve covered the pros, let’s look at the cons of migrating. There aren’t many, but in the interest of removing those rose-tinted glasses…
Another Language
This will really depend on where in the world you’ve migrated from, but Australia is a multicultural place to be. The official language is English, even if they do pronounce things a little differently or have different words for different things. If you plan for Australia to be your forever home, it would help to learn English before you get here!
Lifestyle Costs
Australia is known for being an expensive place to live. Rent, utilities and food are generally higher than most places in the world. However, the salaries are also comparably higher. So, while things seem expensive on the outset, it could be that you haven’t translated your salary across to Australian Dollars.
Paying for Ambulance Cover
Where Australia has a public and private healthcare system superior to most, you still have to pay for ambulance cover as standard. You may never use it, but it’s best to have cover regardless.
Skin Cancer Rates
With the unbending sunshine comes the higher risk of skin cancer. The exposure to UV radiation is much higher here, too, so it’s important to slip, slop, slap every single day. Most people get into the swing of this really quickly but others aren’t a fan!
Making the move to the other side of the world is a huge deal, and migration plans should be carefully thought out before you make it happen. One you understand the pros and cons, you’ll be in a better position to decide whether the move is the right thing for you.
If you are considering migrating to Australia and are in need of an immigration lawyer, Arc Migration are recommended to assist with your visa requirements.
