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Number of Brits heading for OZ drops sharply
| Published: | 26 Jul at 6 PM |
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For decades, Australia was the favourite migration destination for Britons, but the top spot is now taken by migrants from India.
A recent report has revealed that 20 per cent fewer Brits are leaving for a new life in Australia than five years ago. India and China now take first and second place, with the UK coming in a poor third and dropping from its second place last year.
Although a surge in migrants from India and China has been noted, there has also been a decline in the number of Brits being granted visas. 2011/2012’s total of British migrants is 25,274, an increase on last year, but a huge drop from the 31,401 who left for Oz in 2006/2007.
Experts believe that Australia’s steadily-rising financial requirements have more to do with the decline than a drop in the attraction of the former colony. According to the director of the Australia Migration Forums, Robert Williams, the migration dream is touching even more people, with hits on the forum rising 30 per cent from last year to 1.43 million.
He blames the stagnation of the UK housing market, saying it’s tying up much-needed funds necessary to fulfil the Australian immigration requirements. The exchange rate between the two currencies is also causing problems, according to Robin Hayes, CEO of Currency Index, who states that the present rate means one pound buys 43 per cent less Australian dollars than three years ago.
He believes rising house prices in OZ are also causing difficulties with those desperate to leave the UK. Hayes added that Australia’s booming economy and rising interest rates was compounding the currency problem for those looking to buy homes in Oz.
A recent report has revealed that 20 per cent fewer Brits are leaving for a new life in Australia than five years ago. India and China now take first and second place, with the UK coming in a poor third and dropping from its second place last year.
Although a surge in migrants from India and China has been noted, there has also been a decline in the number of Brits being granted visas. 2011/2012’s total of British migrants is 25,274, an increase on last year, but a huge drop from the 31,401 who left for Oz in 2006/2007.
Experts believe that Australia’s steadily-rising financial requirements have more to do with the decline than a drop in the attraction of the former colony. According to the director of the Australia Migration Forums, Robert Williams, the migration dream is touching even more people, with hits on the forum rising 30 per cent from last year to 1.43 million.
He blames the stagnation of the UK housing market, saying it’s tying up much-needed funds necessary to fulfil the Australian immigration requirements. The exchange rate between the two currencies is also causing problems, according to Robin Hayes, CEO of Currency Index, who states that the present rate means one pound buys 43 per cent less Australian dollars than three years ago.
He believes rising house prices in OZ are also causing difficulties with those desperate to leave the UK. Hayes added that Australia’s booming economy and rising interest rates was compounding the currency problem for those looking to buy homes in Oz.
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