A call to South African migrants living in Australia – tell your story

Migration is a complex and dynamic part of life. It presents some of the greatest challenges and the most fulfilling rewards a person can face. 

In Australia, international migration has played an important role in the history of the nation as well as its social, cultural and economic make-up. This is highlighted by statistics that show half the Australian population at any one time are migrants or the child of migrants. Unsurprisingly given this context there is a notable amount of research on immigration to Australia looking in depth at the phenomena and a range of related issues. What is perhaps surprising is that in all this research the South African migrants’ story has largely been left untold.

Yet this migration is important. The number of South Africans moving to Australia has shown consistent growth over the last few decades. This growing population of South Africans in Australia is significant for both the sending and receiving countries and it stands to reason that this migrant group should be better understood.

This is one reason why I have chosen to do a PhD on migration between South Africa and Australia. Another reason is that as a migrant myself I am fascinated by the process.

My name is Romy Wasserman and I am a postgraduate student at the University of Adelaide. I am currently undertaking research into migration between South Africa and Australia. In particular my project looks at migrants’ motivations, settlement experiences and feelings about citizenship and identity. Part of the data collection for this study is by way of an online survey I have designed.

If you are a South African migrant living in Australia please help me to learn more about these issues by filling out a survey at this link. Both permanent and temporary migrants are eligible to participate. Your participation is anonymous; you will not be identifiable by your responses.

My aim is to collect 400+ surveys and capture as diverse a range of views and experiences as I can. Please do not underestimate the importance of your contribution.

Your input will go a long way to helping us understand migration and the experiences of South African migrants to Australia in particular.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANT SURVEY

Thank you for taking the time to fill out a survey and don’t forget to forward this link to other South Africans who might like to contribute to the study!

Any questions about this research are welcome and should be emailed to
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Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)