Moving out of “Their Places” – Structural Factors for Post-Independence Ukrainian Migration to Australia

Using ŕ combination of migration literature analysis and practical experiences of Ukrainian migrants in Australia this paper examines systemic differences in actual mechanisms for incorporation and integration, depending on the period in which Australia accepted immigrants and Ukrainians left Ukraine. Particularly, it explores the role of Ukraine/Australia structural factors in generating post-independence Ukrainian immigration wave. Emerging from the dynamics of regime change in Ukraine and changes in Australian migration policy, the paper suggests there are 3 distinctive periods of post-independence Ukrainian immigration to Australia, the first decade: from 1991 until 1999; the second decade: from 2000-2009 and the beginning of the third: from 2010 until 2013. 51 “personal” stories enables to understand determinative structural factors that deeply influences migration, such as state policies, economic situations, and transnational networks, through comparative perspective in effecting the capacity and choices made by each migrant depending on his/her immigration period. It puts forward the idea that these factors strongly influenced and shaped migrants’ life strategies and mechanisms of integration in recipient society as well as formed the way this ethnic minority incorporated itself in labour market of Australia.