Important Statistics

Benefits

1. Income Uplift Workers migrating from South Asia to the Gulf or Australia often experience a 3 to 5 times increase in income. For example, a caregiver earning PKR 25,000/month locally may earn AUD 4,000/month in Australia — over 15x more, enabling them to support family, build homes, or invest in education.

2. Global Success in Numbers According to the OECD and IOM, over 281 million people live and work outside their country of birth — a number that continues to grow due to skill shortages in healthcare, construction, and aged care.

3. Pathway to Permanency In Australia, thousands of temporary skilled migrants transition to permanent residency each year via employer sponsorship, family reunification, or point-based systems — offering long-term stability, better education for children, and access to healthcare.

4. Real Impact More than 50% of overseas workers are able to send remittances home within the first 3 months, directly improving their family’s quality of life. Many report achieving savings goals, buying land, or starting businesses back home within 2–3 years.

Key Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers

1. Cultural Adjustment & Homesickness A 2022 OECD report found that over 60% of newly arrived migrant workers experience social isolation and culture shock during their first year abroad. Adjusting to unfamiliar customs, climate, food, and daily routines is emotionally challenging.

2. Communication & English Proficiency According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 38% of migrant workers in critical sectors (aged care, construction) report difficulty understanding workplace English, affecting job performance and confidence.

3. Understanding Legal Rights & Obligations Research by the Migrant Workers Centre (Victoria) indicates that 1 in 3 migrant workers are unaware of their basic workplace rights, including minimum wage, sick leave, and grievance channels — often leading to underpayment or exploitation.

4. Financial Mismanagement World Bank data shows that many migrants send home over 40% of their income, often while repaying loans taken for migration expenses. Without financial planning, they risk poor savings, debt cycles, or burnout.

5. Workload & Expectations A 2023 survey by the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission revealed that 48% of international care workers felt overwhelmed by workload, shift changes, and emotional labor in their first six months.

6. Visa & Documentation Delays Data from Australia's Department of Home Affairs shows that nearly 20% of skilled visa applications experience delays due to incomplete or incorrect documentation — often adding 3–6 months to the process.