MOVING to Australia from the UK can seem tempting at times, with its golden beaches and glorious sunshine.
However, one Brit who made the move has warned there are many aspects that people don’t normally talk about.
Katy claimed the beaches in Sydney are often full – and she’s put off by sharksCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Katy, who posts under @katymathur6 , revealed she moved back to the UK for a .
She uploaded a video to “deinfluence” people from moving Down Under, despite it looking like paradise online.
Many Brits are aware of being near , but Katy said this was a major issue for her.
She explained: “There are lots of sharks! On the beaches the shark alarms will go and you can’t go back in the water for an hour sometimes + lots of recent shark attacks and injuries.”
Meanwhile, while the beaches are undeniably beautiful, Katy, who was based near , claimed they are “always jam packed.”
The Brit added that “groceries are expensive” and “if you are not a morning person – good luck.”
She explained: “8am here is a late start. The nightlife here is non-existent.”
She also had trouble with finding a home, and explained: “Finding a house was near impossible and furnishing it was even harder.”
Everyone’s experience is different, but Katy, who has now moved to instead, shared how finding work was tricky too.
She claimed: “There are job restrictions on Brits meaning you can only work for one employer for 6 months at a time so getting a job is hard and chances are pay won’t be great either.”
According to Ethos Immigration : “Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders can engage in any type of work during their 12-month stay in Australia.
“However, these visas are subject to condition 8547, which restricts with a single employer to a maximum of 6 months.”
Katy shared how finding employment can be trickyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Another issue she pointed out was feeling uncomfortable and “sad” at seeing how “Indigenous Australians/Aboriginal people have been treated.”
People were quick to comment on her video and leave their views on the topic.
One said: “There are far too many Brits & Irish in Sydney anyway.”
Another added: “If the UK had June-September all year round it would be unbeatable.”
And a third pointed out: “Pretty much everyone I know has two here.
“Maybe they just don’t enforce the restrictions i’m not sure but I don’t know anyone who’s had a problem with two jobs.”
Others pointed out that Sydney is more expensive and crowded than other areas.
Typically around 40,000 to 50,000 British citizens move to Australia annually.
How easy is it to move abroad?
WHILE some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving:
- Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
- Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
- Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
- If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad – contact the International Pension Centre .
- You can sign up to the Royal Mail’s redirection service .
- If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre .
- If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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