Three nations, popular for immigrants, which offer better prospects for 2010?

In fact, all 3 countries are great countries, and should not be compared simply as “Who is better”, I think those who make some comments are really irrespoinsible, it’s like saying: Germany and France, which one is a better country? How can you make assessments like?

I am therefore, making a better assessment by going through 5 points on each country; pros and cons; and as I have lived all 3 countries; I believe my assessment will be realistic.

Australia:

Top 5 “Props” about Australia and why you should call it your “New Home”

1) It is a growing land of opportunity because of the resources boom and its close ties with China. However, it is not relating to all sectors; not everyone is going to work in the mining industry for example. Nevertheless, Australian economy has benefited from the mining boom.

2) It is a multicultural society just like Canada and USA; and this is really great for childern; as they can expose to different cultures.

3) Landscape is quite nice in Australia, yes, houses do come with gardens, this is a contrast difference to those from Asia & Europe; although I don’t understand why so many choose to live in condos / apartments.

4) Medicare is included. but not entirely free, people are actually relying more on private insurance these days. But at least, if you are sick and unable to pay medical bills, you can still go to public hospitals and see normal GPs; anything extra will require private insurance.

5) Close to Asia; if you need to travel to Asia frequently, Australia is only 7 to 10 hours away, you live in “Western society” in Asia.

Things against Australia as your “New Home”

1. Bloody Expensive: Not as expensive as say UK or Euopre; but certainly catching up, it is significantly more expensive than Canada and US; some items like clothing, electronics can be 3 to 5 times more expensive than North America.

2. A lot of hidden taxes for businesses: For those wanting to run businesses; beware of the multiple taxes; like fuel tax, sales tax, luxury item tax, and different types of levies. In the way, I find Australia is a place for employees rather than employers.

3. Lack of diversity; there are really just 5 cities you can live in Australia, and each city is basically the same as others. Unlike in US, if you find cost of living too high, you can move to Florida or North Carolina, and live much more comfortable life, this is especially attractive for business owners.

4. Weather can be intolerable: Although winters are tolerable as there are no snows apart from in the moutains. Australia has very long summers; some cities can last 6 months in summers. Summers can go up to 45c in most cities; and this is very uncomfortable as well as health risk for many (skin cancer).

5. Too far away from the rest of the world. This has created several problems; transportation cost in Australia is very high; which have been contributed to rising living cost in Australia; very few flights and cruises come around Australia (although improving), this means more expensive airfares and travel costs. Travel costs within Australia is also very high compared to North America.

So there; different points of views; the cost has been a “shocking factor” for many newly arrived migrants; and job prospects sometimes are not as great as what Australian Government have been promoting; as many industries are simply non-existent in Australia.

If you are considering moving to Australia, be sure that you really understand the costs down to details; and also what job prospects are there; you should have Plan B and Plan C, many professionals end up as franchise business owners for instance.

It’s not a bad place to live, although I can be biased, I have lived here for more than 20 years…so I have lost the “exciting factors”, but I do think Australia is one of the most livable countries in the world.