Migration to Australia has been shaped by various influences and has seen significant changes in practices over the years. Here are two influences and two changing practices in the last decade:
Influences:
1. **Economic Opportunities:** Australia's strong economy and job market have been major influences attracting migrants. The mining boom in the early 2010s, the steady growth of the service sector, and the demand for skilled workers in areas like healthcare, engineering, and IT have all contributed to drawing people from around the world.
2. **Environmental Factors:** Australia's climate and environment have also been significant pull factors. However, in recent years, environmental disasters such as the severe bushfires in 2019-2020 may have had a deterrent effect on potential migrants. On the other hand, this has also spurred internal migration, with people moving from affected areas to other parts of the country.
Changing Practices:
1. **Policy Shifts:** In the last decade, Australia's migration policy has seen significant shifts. The country has moved away from a focus on family reunification and humanitarian migration towards a greater emphasis on skilled migration. The points-based immigration system has been refined to prioritize migrants with skills needed in the Australian job market.
2. **Digital Transformation:** The migration process has also been impacted by digital transformation. Online platforms for visa applications and digital services have made the process more efficient and accessible. However, this has also raised issues around digital literacy and access, particularly for migrants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Note that while these influences and practices are significant, migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by a range of factors, including political situations, social networks, cultural ties, and individual aspirations. The impacts of these changes are also varied, affecting different groups of migrants in different ways.
— ɴsᴜs ♑︎