Issues and debates relating to migrants, ethnicity and migration programs are common place within the Australian political and media landscape.

The National Migrant Statistics Unit, through the 'Perspectives on Migrants' series attempts to provide informed commentary to assist those interested in these major issues.

In the latest release:

JOB SEARCH EXPERIENCE OF MIGRANTS: This article looks at the job search related experiences of migrants, broadly defined by their country of birth and year of arrival to Australia. The discussion is presented for two groups in the labour force; unemployed migrants (those seeking work) and recently employed migrants (those who started their current job in the last 12 months). The article explores various aspects including; previous work experience, occupations and levels of qualifications, the duration of current unemployment or time looking for work, the steps taken to attain work and also the difficulties faced in finding work.

FORMS OF EMPLOYMENT - A COMPARISON OF AUSTRALIAN AND OVERSEAS BORN PERSONS: This article examines the types of employment in the Australian labour market for both Australian and overseas born people. Of particular interest is the type of employment migrants obtain once they become settled in the community and how this compares to that of the Australian born people in the workforce. The article focuses on the three broad types of employment; employees, independent contractors and business operators.

CUMULATIVE LIST OF PERSPECTIVES ON MIGRANTS ARTICLES This link includes the editions below.

EDITION 1, FEBRUARY 2008

Birthplace and Religion

Migrants' Experiences of Crime Victimisation

Overseas Students

Migrants and English Proficiency

EDITION 2, AUGUST 2008

People Born in China and India

People Born in Africa

People Born in the Middle East

EDITION 3, APRIL 2009

Permanent Migration to Australia - An Overview by Eligibility Category

Skilled Migration

Migrant Characteristics and Settlement Outcomes of Secondary Applicants

Temporary Migrants in Australia

EDITION 4, MARCH 2010

Job Search Experience of Migrants

Forms of Employment - A Comparison of Australian and Overseas Born Persons