Visas & Advice Detail
The benefits of a life down south
Emigrate Australia quizzes Marisa Thayuman of the Department of Trade and Economic Development for South Australia, about why Brits are being increasingly drawn to the state
In recent years South Australia has seen a significant increase in the number of British immigrants settling there each year. Why do you think this is?
South Australia has a high profile in London through the Agent General's office and participates extensively in marketing and promotional events. This has resulted in increased awareness of the state, and of the job opportunities which are being created by a vibrant economy and unprecedented growth in the mining and defence sectors.
There is also a strong focus on the services provided to migrants by the SA government and the welcoming, friendly environment.
The lower cost of living is a big selling point for the state, particularly given the current currency conversion rate, and the significantly lower house prices make owning a home more achievable.
With more UK immigrants realising the benefits of moving to SA, there is a flow-on effect through people encouraging friends and family to join them.
Are British immigrants being targeted by the South Australian state government at present? If so, how?
The UK is the state's primary source of skilled migrants for a number of reasons: education and training is generally consistent with Australian standards, hence credit and recognition can often be gained from formal qualifications – and there are generally fewer language and cultural barriers, which assists successful settlement.
What type of migrants are most needed in SA?
South Australia actively participates in the State Sponsored visa (subclass 176/886) which can facilitate the granting of visas to suitably qualified candidates with skilled occupations deemed in demand in the state.
Given the fluctuations in the economy and employment market we encourage interested migrants to check out our website – www.immigration.sa.gov.au – to determine if their nominated occupation is currently on our list for permanent sponsorship. Common occupations in demand include technical and trades professionals, medical, health and allied health professionals.
Although a majority of immigrants who settle in SA end up in Adelaide, are other regions of the state also in need of migrants?
All regions in South Australia require skilled and business migrants.
Extensive regional opportunities are available in a variety of industry sectors including mining, agriculture, aquaculture, construction, hospitality, food and horticulture.
The type of jobs available depends on the major projects and growth industries of respective regions.
What can be done to attract newcomers away from the bright lights of the state capital?
South Australia has a network of migration and workforce development officers attracting migrants into the state's regional areas.
They are able to provide current information on employment and business opportunities in their respective areas and also can provide early settlement assistance.
South Australia's regional areas provide many lifestyle advantages, job opportunities and, most importantly, a great work-life balance.
How successful has SA been in attracting migrants through its state sponsorship programmes?
South Australia was the first government in Australia to develop a population policy in recognition of the importance of population growth to address skills issues and demographic changes.
A key part of this policy was the granting of Regional Migration status to Adelaide, which gave migrants additional points for migrating to Adelaide.
Recent population figures indicate that we are on track to reach the population target of two million by 2050; indeed, if existing trends are continued this target will be achieved by 2030!
A key to this success has been our ability to attract migrants through state and regional sponsorship. South Australia has been a major user of these programmes since their inception and has developed streamlined application procedures to process applications efficiently.
Are these programmes something you see as being increasingly important to the overall Australian immigration system?
Yes. State sponsorship programmes provide opportunities for candidates with specific skills who may not meet independent migration criteria. The programmes are also important because they enable states and territories to target migrants with high employment prospects specifically to their jurisdiction.
Why should a British immigrant consider a life in South Australia?
This is best summed up by a recent testimonial from a UK migrant who has made the move to South Australia: "I am drawn to SA because of the lifestyle and employment opportunities it offers, which I feel is not matched elsewhere in Oz.
"Based on an estimated salary and rental I can envisage being able to afford living in a waterfront or beachside property. I can also even conceive of being in a position to buy my first property within the next few years."
Put simply, potential migrants have discovered that you can have a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget in South Australia.
www.immigration.sa.gov.au