Pre-Departure Concerns of Prospective Migrants from Hong Kong to Australia

Pre-Departure Concerns of Prospective Migrants from Hong Kong to Australia The present study explores the migration decisions and pre-departure preparations, feelings, and concerns of 16 currently employed Hong Kong adults accepted for migration to Australia. The number of skilled Hong Kong emigrants has risen sharply in recent years as people have been worried about the reversion of Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997. Interviews with the prospective migrants confirm that for the majority worries about 1997 constitute the primary factor in their decision to leave valued family relationships and established careers in Hong Kong. Many migrants-to-be reported feelings of uncertainties about their future in Australia, but seemed motivated to prepare for the anticipated changes by collecting more information about life in Australia, exploring avenues for obtaining additional qualifications, and being prepared for lower levels of employment. There was also some concern about employment prospects and possible racial discrimination in Australia. The research findings could be the basis for further studies on pre-departure and post-arrival adjustment and for the provision of settlements services, which can begin at the pre-departure stage.