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Britons are flocking to Australia in huge numbers to earn an income while enjoying the famously laid-back Aussie lifestyle. Nearly 50,000 Brits arrived Down Under on working holiday visas this year, a new record high.
The spike in ‘Poms’ heading Down Under has been boosted by a loosening of visa rules, which raised the cut-off age for UK applicants from 30 to 35, allowed three-year stays, and axed the requirement to carry out 88 days of farm work.
While Brits tend to face a higher cost of living in Australia, they are attracted by the promise of higher salaries and a range of other benefits, from sunnier weather to a better work-life balance.
Among those taking advantage is content creator Kody Egan, who moved to Australia in August with her partner, Joseph Horrocks. The couple, both 27 and previously lived in Atherton, Greater Manchester, now live in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Despite only planning to stay in Australia for a short time, they now want to make a new life there.
“We wanted a new challenge and to try something new after coming for a month of travelling the year before,” Ms Egan told MailOnline. “We saved up and made the plunge – mostly to experience more of an outdoor lifestyle, including the beach, surfing, and all the amazing nature.” We had no intention of living here at first, but wanted to after experiencing the people and the lifestyle! We’re so grateful for the Aussies, they’re great.”
Life in Aus doesn’t come cheap, with the average person paying A$2,715 (£1,344) per month on rent compared to £1,223 in the UK. Groceries are also more expensive, with researchers at Edith Cowan University pricing a trolley of supermarket goods at £160 ($324) compared to £140 in the UK.
However, salaries are higher in the ‘Lucky Country’, averaging $100,000 (£49,480) compared to £37,430 in Britain.
Despite loving the Aussie lifestyle, Ms Egan warned that the cost of housing was an issue.
“Like in the UK, there’s a housing crisis here, so rentals are really expensive – as are living costs in general. So it’s important to factor that in when budgeting for a move,” she explained.
“Coming over to live and work is very different from a holiday, but we’re really enjoying the experience. We’re big nature lovers, so seeing all the new species of plants, birds, etc. has been incredible.”
Ms Egan also runs a YouTube vlog, Eat Venture Vlogs, which allows her to share her daily life with family and friends back home.
Emily Brady, a 25-year-old nurse, headed to Australia last December with her 29-year-old partner, Harry Bridges, a motor mechanic. They quickly found well-paying jobs in Kalgoorlie, a mining city 370 miles east of Perth in Western Australia.
While many newcomers have adapted well to life Down Under, others have been less positive. Earlier this year, Londoner Owen Willis took to social media to declare he was “de-influencing” fellow Brits by sharing his experience of living away from home.
Mr Willis claimed “casual racism” was a problem in Australia, citing experiences he had while living in the country in 2022 before returning to the UK.
There were 213,400 people on working holidaymaker visas in Australia at the end of November, 72,300 more than before Covid. Out of these, 47,000 were Brits, alongside 23,700 from France, 21,800 from Ireland, 14,800 from Japan, 13,400 from Taiwan, 13,200 from Italy, and 12,700 from South Korea.
Immigration has become a politically sensitive issue as Australia continues to suffer a housing crisis with the continued high number of international students also putting pressure on rents in Australia’s big cities.
The ruling Labor party aimed for a net overseas migration intake of 395,000 during the last financial year, down from a record 528,000 previously.
Conclusion:
The influx of British expats in Australia is a growing trend, with many attracted by the country’s laid-back lifestyle, higher salaries, and better work-life balance. While the cost of living in Australia can be high, the country offers many benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to start a new life abroad.
FAQs:
- What are the requirements for a UK citizen to move to Australia?
A: UK citizens can apply for a working holiday visa, which allows them to live and work in Australia for up to three years. - What is the average cost of living in Australia?
A: The average cost of living in Australia is higher than in the UK, with rent, groceries, and other living expenses being more expensive. - How many Brits are living in Australia?
A: According to the latest figures, there are around 47,000 Brits living in Australia on working holidaymaker visas. - Is Australia a good place to start a new life?
A: Many Brits have found that Australia is a great place to start a new life, with its laid-back lifestyle, higher salaries, and better work-life balance making it an attractive option.