Monday 21 September 2015

Australian Immigration Then And Now

Australia is a nation founded on immigration. To this date, it has become one of the most popular and promising destination for migrants all over the world.

Did you know that immigration in Australia before was restricted to people of Caucasian descent? This is because of the law dating from 1901, commonly referred to as White Australia Policy. The United Kingdom has been the source of almost half of all immigrants, while others have come from Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, West Germany, and from various central European countries.

The influx of migrants after the World War II in Australia increased. Since then, it has been noted that more than 7 million people have come to Australia as new settlers.

In 1966, the government reviewed the policy and selected non-Europeans were granted immigrant status. Preference was given to those qualified to practice professions in Australia or possessing special skills.

In 1973, these racially discriminatory immigration policies were abandoned and Australia dropped all restrictions on place of origin. Now, Australia is very multicultural with Indigenous peoples and migrants from about 200 different countries.

Today the Australian government has this immigration program. Through this massive and aggressive immigration program, Australia offers opportunities for people with skills that will contribute to the economy. Visa application process has been simplified.

Read more Australian immigration trivia here.

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