Moving to Australia

Well, I am currently in a dilemma regarding the issue of racism in Australia. I asked many people (immigrants) about this issue and, believe me, I got replies of opposite poles. Some say it is "too cool to be true", and others say that Australia is one of the worst countries regarding racism.

I searched the internet regarding this issue and found a published paper at the University of NSW that actually confirms high levels of racism in Australia. The URL is http://www.hawaii.ed... (a PDF document).

However, it is too late for me to turn back. Certainly, there are good and bad people there, as any other country. I hope that minding one's own business and being a normal, responsible member in the society is the answer to this issue.

Yes, I am in the final stages, where the medical checkup is the only remaining step. I lodged my application back in August 2007.

Appreciating any inputs.

Regards,

Hani

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Wings of Silver
"YOU are who you THINK you are"

GOOD LUCK in Australia

Choose to live in Sydney that I suggest

Study at UTS

You can work to earn money if you don't mind working as waiter, cleaner, laundery labour, etc

Those we went through before we got proper job

My experience of living in Australia is nothing less than excellent and fulfilling.

People are generally friendly and as for the racist stigma, they generally do not care whether your skin are green, white, yellow or back or to which God (if at all) you offer your allegiance. Any incident that you read in the paper are mostly either 1) isolated or 2) arise from ignorance or unfamiliarity of other custom/cultures.

Frankly, I found the laws and practices in Australia are less 'race-based' than in some other countries that I've lived in (and I've been around). For example, companies will not differentiate pay packages for employees doing the same job just because theirpassport is of different color.

As for IT job, yes time are tough now. I have friend who has very high credentials in IT, and it took him several months to land a job since he arrive here. And even then, he had settle for lower position/pay than what he originally expect for. The employment agent told him that there is a glut in the IT field.

So, my advise is: unless you are sponsored by a company (ie already have a job), be prepared for a longer than expected job search and budget accordingly.

Best of luck in your future path.....

Thanks for all your feedbacks, really appreciating it.

You are all right regarding job opportunities in light of the current economical crisis. Regarding this issue, I will be moving within my company, Oracle Systems (if any of you heard about it), moving from Oracle Riyadh to Oracle Sydney (I am based in Riyadh and was allocated on a project here in Qatar for a year or so). Nobody is sponsoring me because I don't need one, my visa is the sub-class 136 one (skilled migrant).

I will be immigrating as an IT Professional - Oracle Specialist. By that, I am spared from cleaning and washing dishes, though appreciating your advice Bluemountain :-)

As for what Miss Saigon and Sabrang Kidul said, this is typically what I always get and as I mentioned earlier: extreme contradictions in points of view about Australia!!! I will just go there and find out myself!

Finally, I still did not determine which university I will be attending. However, I have compiled a list of all potential universities in Australia that offer IT masters programs. I will be happy to share it with anybody.

Hani :-)

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Wings of Silver
"YOU are who you THINK you are"

Please go to http://www.immi.gov...., you will have all the information. If you further any other detail, please let me know.

I don't normally post comments to QL but after reading this forum topic I felt I needed to defend some of the issues posed above.

Firstly to Miss Saigon regarding 2 lines at the Sydney airport. This is a load of bulldust! (false) There would never have been two different lines for a taxi depending on your nationality. Absolutely NOT

There is no class differentiation in Australian. Regardless of colour, size, qualification or bank account you will treated the same. If not treated with more respect because you have made it through one of the world's most difficult visa application processes.

Yes there have been some terrible incidents that have happened recently and I regret that such a thing could happen in my own home country. But what you all must understand is the Australian (and world) press often blows things out of proportion. While Australian promotes freedom of press it can also be abused.

So I wish you the very best Wings of Silver in what will be the beginning of a wonderful chapter in your life's journey. Remember ask if you need help and smile if you don't know what to say because there will always be an Aussie willing to give you a hand.

Popcorngirl.....thanks for your honest reply, at least towards racism in Australia.

Hani....let me write few positive things being an immigrant myself (though not in Australia). I have quite a few friends in Australia who are gainfuly employed & could well settle down there in an year or so. It is said Aussies are racist, but it is very much a relative definition and don't think it affects one & all.

Before I migrated to Canada I too was warned of racism and lack of job oppurtunities (engineers ending up driving cabs etc etc). After 2 years into this country all I can say is I haven't lost anything in terms of quality of life or money or whatever but have been gainfully employed in my profession from the very first day.

It all depends on individual attitude to accept & migrate with a new country, new culture, new work environment. Problems are everywhere, if racism troubles in AU, crime sucks in US and cold bites in Canada.

Coming to your question on economic situation and job availability, why don't you check out for jobs in your profession & apply for them? Till recently Aussie companies were hiring people from abroad. Have you checked popular jobsites like www.seek.com?

Go...go.. take a chance

haah! QS, I know that taxi driver comment is for whom....lolz! and yes I do agree with you that people spend rest of their lives driving a cab, which is also a decent profession. Their is a resistance to accept the profession initially but going down the road it's just another job to make a living.

and Hani, I forgot to mention something...the Aussies I came across during my stint in Gulf didn't appear to be racist at all, rather many of them played an active role to hire my friends in AU once they (those Aussies)returned there.

Aw Pity, wings of silver,by the way what did you get convicted for?

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Dont e-mail this Girl unless you want a plea for a cash rescue or a inbox full of spam!...Be Warned!

you could try migrating to canada after 2 years at australia. Canada is a much better place.