Is Australia really a paradise for immigrants, even in 2019?

Human migration has been going on since hundreds, if not thousands of years. There are countless examples in history, of people migrating over vast distances, and in large numbers. The quest for a better livelihood, has been the largest common denominator behind all such migration journeys. Over the centuries, the ways of migration improved, but the yearning for a better life did not die. Even today we continue to see human migration – within politically defined state boundaries, and beyond. People from small villages move to the towns. Those living in towns move to the cities. And those living in countries (like India, like myself) move to places like America, Australia, Canada and Europe. All such human activity categorizes asmigration. And it is all driven by ONE reason –the need for a better life.

Cut to 2019, and the question:

Is Australia a paradise for immigrants, especially in 2019?

The question is relevant for each one of us who has migrated to, or is thinking about migrating to Australia. And with the context in mind, I would rephrase the question to

Does Australia offer “that better life” to immigrants, even after 2019?

And my answer is a resounding “YES”!

Moving to Australia in 2019 — When I moved to Australia in 2015

I am originally from India where I completed my education and worked for a few years. Back in India I led a nice, contented life – with friends and family around me.
However, I always wanted to work in an international, multi-cultural setting. Of course, I wanted to earn more money and lead a comfortable life. And all these reasons (and some more) made me take the plunge, and I arrived in Perth in January 2015.

And today, thankfully, I lead a life that I could never imagine living in India. I won’t call my present life “lavish”. It is NOT, by any imaginable measure. However, the kind of freedom that I enjoy, the kind of things that I do regularly, the things that I can buy with the money that I make, the places that I can visit, and the time and energy that I get to do all this – it was unimaginable back where I came from. Here in Perth, I live a life that is unbeatable.

I am specifically asked two question very regularly, especially by people in India – whether it is worth migrating to Australia; and whether there are enough jobs in Australia. These questions mostly come from professionals or people in white-collar jobs.

My sincere advice is that migration to Australia (and skilled migration in particular)isnot only about the job. Yes, getting employment is important. However, migration isalsoabout every little thing that you otherwise do not take into consideration – your health, your children’s education & future prospects, your own career prospects, your lifestyle etc. In short, migration is about “that better life” that you dream about. And your job is merely just a part of it. Australia might not be a so-called “paradise” for immigrants in today’s world, but it does offer way more than a better life.

So, whether it is 2019 or 2025 or 2030, migration will exist and will continue to do so. The scale of migration will surely change, owing to geo-eco-political reasons. There will also come a time when “Ease of migration to xxx” surveys will be conducted. However, human migration will not end abruptly.