There are many reasons why people decide to migrate to Australia. The economic opportunities for success in Australia are an important reason to immigrate. Australia is a relatively ‘young’ country, special, unique, beautiful and is viewed by many as the land of opportunity for people of all races. Australia is keen to allow genuinely good and talented people from all over the world to live and contribute towards making this successful nation even better. Other important reasons why people choose Australia are its democracy, safety and the feeling of freedom. To many people, Australia is often referred to as the ‘lucky country’.

The Australian labour market is regularly fluctuating and can be quite competitive, depend ing on the occupation sought and the location one migrates to. Migrants should be conscious that approval to migrate does not guarantee employment. Therefore, I would recommend that they explore their job prospects prior to deciding to migrate. To find out about their job prospects, it is worthwhile to read Australian newspapers, especially the Wednesday and Saturday editions, which contain lists of job vacancies. Migrants should be aware that for many jobs within Australia, job applicants must be register ed or licensed with an Australian State Authority, and/or be eligible for membership of a professional or industry organisation. It is advisable that they find out if there are any special requirements or conditions that apply to the jobs that they want to do before they apply to migrate to Australia.

Australia is also an increasingly popular study destination with students from around the world wishing to gain a top-quality education overseas. In Australia, student numbers from Mauritius have steadily inc reased in the last couple of years and vocational education institution numbers have swelled accordingly. These institutions that specialise in anything from ‘Tourism and Hospitality’ to ‘Motor Mechanics’ have mushroomed in and around the Australian main cities in astonishing records to meet the arrival of foreign students that are able to meet the academic and of course, the financial requirements.

However, to my dismay, I have encountered a number of newly arriving Mauritian students experiencing a lot of problems. I have had frequent situations where desperate students have been contacting me because someone has promised them one thing or another who at the end of the day was just out for their money. Their problems include but are not limited to, hav ing been left at the airport waiting for hours and sometimes even worst, had no one to pick them up as originally planned, very poor accommodation conditions, struggling to afford basic living expenses, having received the wrong advice in terms of their ch oice of course or education institutions.

Immigration and education on a global scale has become a profitable business, so much so that it has been estimated at a $60 billion dollar -a-year industry. With these kinds of figures, it is not surprisi ng that there are bogus agents (or their representatives) that are willing to take advantage of innocent migrants.

As a word of caution, prospective migrants and students need to choose carefully who they are employing to advise them about their future p rospects. For example, in Australia, all migration agents must be registered with the MARA (Migration Agent Registration Authority), keep up -to –date and refresh their skills and knowledge and follow the code of conduct of the profession. As for providing advice to prospective students, the majority of the education consultants/agents in Australia are holders of the recognised QEAC (Qualified Education Agent Counsellor). Remember that living in a new culture can present many challenges. Many newly - arrived students experience culture shock and are distant from their support system of family, friends and networks at a time when they are most needed. Therefore, they need to ensure that whoever they are employing will be able to provide them with clear and accurate advice about their study options, relevant information about living in Australia (for e.g. cost of living, job opportunities, culture and values, etc.) and post landing services including a minimum of on - going support as required during the first fe w weeks of their stay.

It is understood that an immigrant always strives after a better ‘quality of life’. They may want to establish a business, study, work, improve their lifestyle or they may simply feel the need for a change. Whatever the reasons may be permanent resident or short -term student, they will all have many important decisions to make and actions to undertake, including a meticulous process of paperwork and management of financial affairs must be organised, analysed, assessed and then hope fully approved. The process of migration for most people can be an adventure of unknown quantities. Whilst many will be able to find their way, just as many will not. Basically, no two applications will be the same, and there are many factors that will det ermine the outcome of each one. Many qualified applicants will get through the application process themselves without any problems or delays. However, for the average person, this kind of formalities is enough to make heads spin and it is a reassurance to know that there are professionals out there that have an intimate knowledge of Australian immigration laws to show them the way.

Kervin Kuppusami