Skilled migrants working in low skilled jobs for long periods are at risk of depression, a new study by the University of Western Australia has found.
Factors such as the cost of migration and delay in recognition of overseas qualifications meant skilled migrants often took lower skilled work upon arrival in Australia. Those who then failed to find suitable skilled work after three and a half years showed a higher risk of depressive disorders such as anxiety.
The study found migrants were more likely to be overqualified for jobs compared to other Australians.
John Q Citizen, Aussie
Administrator
Sadly, the risk of depression is not only for skilled migrants but also for our fellow Aussies, who have been retired early, retrenched and now ignored. Centrelink, now handles their problems, without much compassion either. Job Services Australia is a disgrace their motto "a job any job" irrespective of skills and ability, oh yes and an eye on their own monthly P & L.
The downturn in the economy has hurt so many over the years. I worked in HR and saw many new Aussies become disenechanted with their new home.
Highly skilled professionals who can turn desert into fertile, food producing land, now driving taxis or cleaning. If their skills were ' so in-demand' why then are they condemned to such menial labour? So many things wrong with our labour market, with employers and a lack of direction from both sides of the political debate. Are you listening T Abbott, or is there no 15sec soundbite in it?