If you’re a Brit planning to move to Australia or already living there, you’re certainly not alone.
In fact, the number of Britons flocking to Australia has hit a record high, as more than 47,000 British nationals arrived in the country this year on working holiday visas.
This is part of a larger trend where Australia is seeing an increase in the number of people relocating from the UK, with over 200,000 applicants vying for working holiday visas in total.
With the relaxing of visa rules and the promise of a better lifestyle, many are choosing to make Australia their new home.
Visa Changes Fuel the Rise in British Expats
One of the key factors behind this surge is the recent changes to Australia’s visa policies.
The age limit for UK applicants has been raised from 30 to 35, and the rules around working on farms have been relaxed.
The new three-year visa rule is also more appealing to those wanting to explore life in Australia for an extended period.
Although the cost of living in Australia can be higher, many Brits are attracted by the promise of a more comfortable work-life balance, higher salaries, and the warm weather.
Kody Egan’s Australian Adventure
Among those who have embraced the Australian way of life is content creator Kody Egan, who moved to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in August with her partner Joseph Horrocks.
The couple, both 27, had originally planned to stay in Australia just for a short time.
But after a holiday in the country a year ago, they decided to settle down.
“We wanted a new challenge and to try something new,” Kody explained. Their focus was on enjoying an outdoor lifestyle with activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring the stunning nature of Australia.
What started as a holiday has now turned into a decision to make Australia their home.
The High Cost of Living and Housing in Australia
However, life in Australia doesn’t come without its challenges.
The cost of living can be steep, especially when it comes to housing.
Rent in Australia averages A$2,715 (£1,344) per month, which is higher than what most Brits are used to paying in the UK.
Groceries are also more expensive, with supermarket costs running about £160 ($324), compared to £140 in the UK.
Despite these higher living costs, the salaries in Australia are notably higher, averaging $100,000 (£49,480) annually.
Kody, who runs a YouTube vlog documenting her adventures, acknowledged that housing and general living expenses are significant factors to consider for anyone planning to move to Australia.
Better Working Conditions and Pay for Expats
Emily Brady, a 25-year-old nurse, is another Brit who made the leap to Australia last year.
She and her partner Harry Bridges, a 29-year-old motor mechanic, found well-paying jobs in Kalgoorlie, a mining city in Western Australia.
Emily, who previously worked in the UK on a paediatric oncology ward, now earns up to three times what she did in Britain.
The better working conditions and recognition for hard work in Australia were some of the reasons she decided to move.
Emily and her partner now have plans to stay in Australia long-term and raise a family.
Not Everyone Is Sold on Australia
While many Brits are enjoying their new lives in Australia, not everyone has had a positive experience.
Owen Willis, a Londoner who lived in Australia in 2022, took to social media to warn others not to expect a utopian paradise.
His views stirred up controversy when he mentioned his experience with what he called “casual racism” in some parts of Australia.
His comments, particularly about the attitudes in Queensland, were met with backlash, with some Australians dismissing him as a “whingeing Pom.
” It’s clear that while Australia offers a lot of opportunities, it’s not without its flaws, and some expats have struggled to adjust.
The Immigration Debate in Australia
The influx of Britons and other foreign nationals is part of a broader trend of increased immigration to Australia, which has become a politically sensitive issue.
Australia’s housing crisis has been exacerbated by the rise in the number of international students and working holiday visa holders.
The Australian government had aimed for a net overseas migration intake of 395,000 for the last financial year, but estimates suggest that the number may have exceeded 450,000 in 2023-24.
This has put additional pressure on the country’s housing market, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Despite the rising immigration numbers, the Australian Treasury has indicated that the situation may improve slowly as fewer people are leaving the country than expected.
With more people staying longer, it’s clear that Australia’s appeal as a destination for work and lifestyle remains strong, especially for Brits seeking a fresh start in the southern hemisphere.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn