Australia welcomed one hundred and eighty three thousand new immigrants between 2016 and 17, most of them from India, China and the UK, the Daily Mail and SBS reported. Despite the recent tightening of immigration by Australia's goverment, many still want to be permanent citizens of Australia. So, what are the benefits of being an Australian citizen?
(photo of Daily Mail)
1. passport
In the recent ranking of 147 countries in the world's passport strength, Australia ranked 77th with a visa-free advantage of 147 countries. In addition, Australia has efficient overseas consulates and embassies to provide effective assistance to Australian citizens in times of trouble.
2. Election voting
Australian voting is mandatory, and if Australian citizens do not participate, they may be fined a maximum of A $180.
In Australia, however, you can choose anyone you support to vote among a large number of candidates.
3. Education
Australia has one of the longest years of compulsory education, 11 years.
Although tuition fees in institutions of higher learning have increased by 20%, students can apply for student loans such as FEEHELP or Study Assist.
In 2018, most student loans were capped at A $102392. In the case of students majoring in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, the ceiling is A $127992.
4. Health insurance, welfare
Under the current health insurance system, Australian citizens can reimburse 100% of the cost of seeing a doctor and 85% of the expenses of seeing a specialist if they see a doctor in the public health care system.
In addition, Australia's goverment provides welfare benefits to troubled citizens, covering unemployment, disability, health problems and many more.
5. Support for the aged
Australia has a retirement protection system that obliges employers to pay a certain percentage of their employees' wages (Super Guarantee Charge) or individual voluntary contributions (Contribution) to a specialized pension fund management agency.
Australia's pension system has been at the top of the global rankings since 2015.
6. Adopt a child
After you become an Australian citizen, you can adopt a child.
In 2016, Australia completed only 278 adoptions, compared with 45,999 children in Australia.
7. Represent Australia in sports events
Australian citizens with sporting expertise can participate in any representative team or sporting event, and may one day participate in the Olympic Games.
8. Working in the federal goverment or defense department
If you become an Australian citizen, you can apply for a job in the Australian Defense Forces, such as the (ADF), Navy or Army.
9. Become a politician.
Another benefit of being an Australian citizen is that you can become a member of the political arena, achieve your own political goals, and even become prime minister.
10. New Zealand
Citizens with Australian passports can work and live in New Zealand. It is very convenient for Australia to go to New Zealand. It takes only three hours by air.
