Much more than a shared love of Barbeques and Rugby, South Africans and Australian speak the same language, share cultural values, similar weather conditions, and a strong work ethic. Like Aussies, South Africans are known for being flexible, solving problems, appreciating the outdoors, and contributing positively to the Australian community.

Shared values , work ethic and problem solving

Integrating easily with a relaxed lifestyle, a love for sports (especially rugby and cricket), and an appreciation for multiculturalism, both have mates, family and friends come together often for a” braai” / BBQ. Australians are known for being resilient and good under pressure, and South Africans are very similar;  having developed strong problem-solving skills due to the challenges they’ve faced in their home country.

The mild, sunny climates in both countries foster a love for outdoor activities and a desire to enjoy the natural environment, a shared characteristic that makes them comfortable in Australia. Some South African immigrants have expressed gratitude for the opportunities and quality of life they’ve found in Australia, a positive reminder to Aussies of their good fortune. South Africans have demonstrated that they integrate well into Australian society, bringing their own unique skills and experiences to enrich the workforce and community.

Safety and security for the family

Both Australia and South Africa share a democratic system of government, with a strong tradition of parliamentary governance, and traditional values based on the Westminster system;  where the executive branch (led by the Prime Minister) is accountable to the elected parliament, specifically the lower house. This system, originating in England, is known as responsible government. Many South Africans have suffered with political instability and are keen to be part of a strong positive community. 

It may surprise readers to know that South Africa is a significant source of migration to Australia; our 6th or 7th largest migrant community and bring with them a higher than usual standard of education and trade skills, especially in understaffed areas in Australia, like medicine, teaching, engineering, healthcare; construction and skilled builders and tradespeople. Importantly, these workers will bring money and investment into the country, and purchase businesses, employ staff and pay taxes.

Everyone is looking for safety and security for their families, and it distressing to hear of families living in constant fear. Many South Africans are tired of corruption, cronyism, and power outages, and are looking for economic opportunities, and the prospect of educating their children in an English-speaking country where all can contribute and uphold our way of life. Often some family members are already living In Australia, and the goal is to reunify the family.

Australian Visa authorities welcome skilled professionals and tradespeople in these industries.

o        IT sector, – ICT Business and Systems Analysts – software engineers, cyber security

o        Teachers

o        Engineers

o        Healthcare professionals

o        Trades – electricians, automotive mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers

o        Construction – civil engineers, construction managers

o        Social Workers

o        Psychologists

o        Advertising and marketing professionals

o        Mining engineers

o        Cooks & chefs.

o        Childcare workers

o        Aged and disability carers

Phoenix Law & Associates are skilled South African migration specialists.

With a large team of lawyers from many different parts of the world, speaking your language, the Phoenix Law team practice law with expertise and compassion. Many have negotiated the migration process themselves, including Yossi Witkowsky [B.A.; LLB], a Senior Solicitor, admitted to practice law in two jurisdictions being both Australia and South Africa.

Yossi has more than 20 years practicing in a multitude of different areas of the law, with a strong background in commercial law and migration law. Yossi and his family migrated to Australia a number of years ago and has a close understanding of your needs and emotions when it comes to assisting you with the immigration process. His family have settled beautifully,  enjoying the education, sports, and freedom of the Australian way of life.

Read more about Yossi here – https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/yossi-witkowsky-attorney-in-south-africa-australia/

Call or email your friendly legal experts at PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES Level 8, 320 Adelaide Street Brisbane, | CALL 1800GETHELP or  +61 7 31800908 or email info@phoenix-law.com.au #AustralianVisa #PartnerVisa #LawyersBrisbane

Images with thanks to Family Travel.com.au  and Gold Coast Tourist parks

Yossi Witkowsky [B.A.; LLB] is that rare combination – a fine legal mind, but also a person of great warmth and humanity. An experienced Senior Solicitor and Attorney in both South Africa and in Australia; a member of the South African Law Association and he has also practiced law in Australia for many years.

Qualifications

  • Two degrees,  BA (Law); LLB, and has also completed post graduate studies in commercial law.
  • Admitted to practice law in two jurisdictions being both Australia and South Africa.
  • More than 20 years practicing in a multitude of different areas of the law, with a strong background in commercial law and migration law, and other areas of the law, including Family Law.
  • Commercial Law experience in litigation, general commercial law advice, drafting an array of business contracts (including complex cross border contractual work).
  • A successful senior migration Lawyer for many years in Australia,
  • Working with both Australian and South African clients with an ongoing watching brief ( to facilitate matters for business/personal clients here in Australia )
  • Represented clients successfully in complex cases in both the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART);  the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFCA) and the Federal Court (FCA) of Australia. 
  • Worked in legal practice, and also at Multinational blue-chip companies within their legal departments, filling roles including practicing solicitor, mediator, compliance officer and in – house legal counsel.
  • A guest speaker for Migration Queensland at the Queensland parliament addressing attendees on the immigration process.

Personal Experience

  • Yossi and his family immigrated to Australia a number of years ago, and have been through the immigration process personally, allowing him to fully understand his client’s needs and emotions, especially when it comes to assisting them with the immigration process.
  • Yossi is married with 2 children, who are active in the community, and junior sports. He enjoys Rugby, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, CrossFit and chess.
  • English is his first language, and Afrikaans a close second.

At Phoenix Law & Associates, we have come to appreciate Yossi’s positive energy, tenacity, hard work ethic, and his personal philosophy: Be true to thy self. He is committed to his clients, our team and continuous development. He tells us his dislikes are negativity, gossip, and windy days. Not a bad trait that !

You can speak to Yossi at PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES Level 8, 320 Adelaide Street Brisbane, or by calling 1800GETHELP or  +61 7 31800908 or email info@phoenix-law.com.au. Yossi easily stays in touch with Australia-wide and South-African based clients with their preferred zoom , teams or Google meet platforms.  #SkilledMigration #SouthAfricanLawyer @YossiWitkowski #AustralianVisa #LawyersBrisbane #CrossBorderMigration