Australia’s net overseas migration has fallen for the first time since borders reopened in 2021-22, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Net migration added 446,000 people to the population in 2023-24, a significant drop from 536,000 the previous financial year.
Jenny Dobak (pictured above), ABS head of migration statistics, highlighted the key factors behind the decline.
“This fall represents the first annual drop in net overseas migration since Australia’s borders re-opened in 2021-22, Dobak said. “Migrant arrivals fell by 10 per cent compared to 2022-23, while migrant departures rose by 8%.”
In 2023-24, 667,000 migrant arrivals were recorded, with three-quarters (465,000) arriving on temporary visas. Among temporary visa holders, international students accounted for nearly half of all arrivals, totaling 207,000.
However, an increase in departures has contributed to the net decline. Migrant departures rose to 221,000 in 2023-24, up from 204,000 in the prior year.
“We are seeing some temporary visa holders starting to leave, after having arrived as part of the large rise in arrivals seen after borders reopened,” Dobak said. “For example, migrant departures on temporary student visas doubled in 2023-24 compared to the year before.”
The median age of migrant arrivals was 27 years, while the median age for departures was slightly older at 31 years. This aligns with trends where younger individuals arrive for education or work and later return to their home countries or relocate elsewhere.
The top five countries of birth for migrants in 2023-24 were:
The decline in net overseas migration follows years of record increases driven by post-pandemic catch-up arrivals after border closures. With fewer arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders, and an uptick in departures, Australia’s migration landscape appears to be stabilising, ABS reported.
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