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Watch This VideoA recent survey by Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship found that skilled migrants arriving in the country are finding employment quickly and enjoying their new life down under.
Preliminary results of the third "longitudinal survey" of immigrants found that after 18 months in Australia, employment rates for skilled migrants are well above the national average of 97 percent. They also showed a high workforce participation rate - one and a half times the national average.
Migrants who arrived on a spousal visa also showed strong employment statistics, with an unemployment rate of 5 percent and a workforce participation rate of 72 percent.
The survey asked 10,000 skill stream and family stream primary applicants who arrived in Australia or were granted their visa onshore between December 2005 and March 2006. Previous surveys measured unemployment from 1993 to 1995 and from 1999 to 2000.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship pointed out that under the Labor government between 1993 and 1995, skilled migrants, excluding family members who arrived with them, had unemployment rates of 25 percent after 18 months in Australia.
Australia and New Zealand are becoming increasingly popular destinations for migrant workers. Recent surveys of Kiwi migrants showed similar appreciation for life in the country.
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