Geographically, Australia is a very large country. It has been referred as an island country as it is separated from rest of the world by oceans. The country is famous for its variety of flora and fauna, landscapes, beaches and multicultural society. Before 1788, the population of indigenous people was estimated to be 750000, who were living in the vast geographical area. Australian demography started changing with the start of European settlement. Today, Australia is one of the world’s major ‘immigration nations‘. Since 1945, over 7.5 million people have settled in Australia. In June 2015, Australia’s overseas-born resident population is estimated to be 28.2 per cent of the population.
The role of migrants is very important in development of any country. For Australia, they are a real impetus for flourishing Australian nation. Today, around 190000 people migrate to Australia every year, some with the help of migration agents. These migrants are mostly skilled migrants including doctors, engineers, scholars and other professionals, who contribute significantly for the development of Australia.
Role of tourists and temporary migrants in the economic development of Australia
Tourism and migration always has a positive impact on Australian economy as it increases employment, increases consumption of goods and services, and migrants tend to be less of a burden on government services while still paying taxes. In September 2016 alone, 647,200 visitors arrived in Australia bringing the total number of arrivals to 8.07 million for the year ending September 2016. These visitors are essential for the growth of 270,000 tourism businesses operating in Australia as of June 2015. The Australian tourism industry contributed $47.5 billion to the Australian economy in 2014-15 and this contribution is expected to increase with more visitors coming to Australia every year.
Role of migrants in educational and cultural development of Australia
Knowledge spreads when people from different cultures meet each other. Australia has people from a rich diversity of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. Many Australians have arrived over the last two centuries from more than 200 countries as immigrants. Hence, Australian culture is as broad and diverse as the country’s landscape, making Australia as multicultural and multiracial.
Due to the high-quality education system, Australia is the third most popular destination for international students. Education exports are Australia’s fourth largest export generating around $15 billion in revenues each year. Each year, around 300,000 international students commence study in Australia and they generate significant benefits including job creation and increased tourism. They are a key source of Australian skilled migration and they contribute to Australia’s long term economic prosperity.
Role of skilled migrants in the development of Australia
Australia has an influx of thousands of skilled migrants every year, consisting of doctors, engineers, programmers, nurses and many other professionals. In 2012-13, Australia welcomed about 125,000 skilled migrants to the country. These professionals invest their skills in development of Australia and they fill shortages in the Australian labour market that help Australian economy grow. These skilled migrants are considered to lift the three “Ps” – population, participation and productivity – of high economic growth. Over the coming years, there is no doubt that skilled migrants will continue to play a significant role in Australia’s economic growth and prosperity.
