Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's population is projected to be 26,974,026 people in 2025, with 62% of the growth in the last ten years being a result of immigration. Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, when border closures and other COVID-19 pandemic impacts deterred potential migrants. Australia's immigration policies have evolved over time, with the country maintaining a 'White Australia' policy in the early 20th century, which was gradually relaxed and abolished in 1973. Today, Australia offers various visa options, including family visas, working holiday visas, and investor visas, contributing to the country's population growth.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's immigration history
Before federation in 1901, assisted migrants received passage assistance from colonial government funds, while the British government paid for the passage of convicts, paupers, the military, and civil servants. One of the motives for creating a federated Australia was the need for a common immigration policy. There was much resistance to Chinese immigration and the use of indentured workers from New Caledonia to work in the Queensland sugar industry. The White Australia policy, which was in effect from the 1890s to the 1950s, involved the exclusion of all non-European people from immigrating to Australia. This policy was driven by xenophobic fears and racist attitudes towards non-European people, particularly those from Asian countries.
After Federation, Australia's Federal Parliament passed the Immigration Restriction Act, which imposed strict restrictions on immigration, specifically targeting Chinese, South Sea Islanders, and others. In the post-World War II era, Australia stepped up its immigration program, negotiating agreements to accept migrants and displaced people from Europe. This period saw the arrival of the 'Ten Pound Poms', a nickname given to British migrants who were provided assisted £10 passages to Australia.
In the late 1970s, a new wave of seaborne refugees arrived on Australia's northern coast, fleeing injustices in their home countries, particularly in Indochina. In 1984, Australian historian Professor Geoffrey Blainey sparked a controversial debate about immigration and multiculturalism with his criticism of what he perceived as disproportionately high levels of Asian immigration. This period also saw the arrival of many international students, particularly from India and China, contributing to the country's population growth.
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Current immigration trends
Historically, more people have migrated to Australia each year than have left, making international migration a significant source of population growth for the country. This trend was reversed in 2020 and 2021 due to border closures and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian borders were reopened to most travellers in February 2022, leading to a period of record net overseas migration as people took advantage of the relaxed border restrictions.
The 2023-24 financial year saw the first annual decrease in net overseas migration since the border restrictions were lifted, with a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders, and an increase in departures. In this period, the top five countries of birth for migrant arrivals were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Arrivals from these countries, except for Australia and the United Kingdom, decreased compared to the previous year. Despite this recent dip, Australia's population continues to grow, with an estimated population of 26,974,026 people in 2025.
Over the last few decades, Australian leaders have generally supported high levels of immigration. The Howard Government (1996-2007) oversaw an upward trend in immigration numbers, and the Rudd Labor Government further increased the quota when it took office in 2007. In 2010, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd advocated for a 'Big Australia', highlighting the benefits of extending the freedom and advantages of life in Australia to as many people as possible. This stance has been maintained by major political parties, with 62% of the country's population growth in the last ten years attributed to immigration.
Australia offers various visa pathways for immigrants, including family visas, working holiday visas, and investor visas. Family visas are often granted based on existing family ties in the country, and both employment and family visas can lead to Australian citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements. Working holiday visas are residence permits that allow visa holders to work and sometimes study in Australia. Investor visas provide an opportunity for foreign investors to acquire permanent residency and eventually apply for citizenship after making investments in the country.
The Australian government has also recognised the need to address specific skills gaps in the country. The Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skill List allows professionals to immigrate and fill positions requiring specific skill sets. However, this has sparked debate, with some arguing that the program is flawed as it brings in professionals who compete with Australian university graduates for limited job positions. At the same time, Australia faces a shortage of skilled tradespeople, which remains unaddressed by the current immigration system.
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COVID-19 travel restrictions
Australia imposed travel restrictions on those travelling to or from the country in March 2020, which were gradually lifted from 1 November. Australian borders were fully reopened to most travellers on 21 February 2022, after almost two years of border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic in 2020-21, overseas migration contributed a net loss to the population of each state and territory in Australia. The country experienced a reversal in its historical trend of more people migrating to Australia than leaving each year. This was due to border closures and other COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
From 21 February 2022, when Australia reopened its borders, a period of record net overseas migration occurred. This was consistent with a catch-up in arrivals following the nearly two years of border restrictions. The 2023-24 financial year represented the first annual decrease in net overseas migration since the border restrictions were lifted. This decrease was driven by a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders, and an increase in departures.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in the 2023-24 financial year, migrant departures increased by 8% to 221,000 from 204,000 departures in the previous year. This data reflects annual migration estimates and does not account for quarterly fluctuations. The quarterly net overseas migration data for the period ending June 2024 will be released on 13 December 2024.
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Types of visas
Australia offers over 120 types of visas, each with its own criteria and purpose. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common types of Australian visas:
Visitor Visas
The main criterion for visitor visas is the country of passport. Visitor visas are typically granted for short-term stays in Australia and can be used for tourism, visiting family or friends, or other short-term purposes.
Student Visas
The Student Visa subclass 500 is for international students who want to study in Australia. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency, have medical health cover, and show financial capacity to pay for tuition and living expenses. Once students complete their qualifications and meet certain requirements, they can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485, which provides unrestricted work rights.
Work Visas
There are several types of work visas available for international workers seeking employment in Australia, including temporary and permanent options. The most common types include the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent) subclass 186, and the Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 494. The major criterion for work visas is having an Australian employer willing to sponsor the applicant.
Skilled Visas
Skilled visas are for professionals or trades workers who want to live and work in Australia. These visas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the specific visa. The basic requirement is scoring a minimum of 65 on the points test. Examples include the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 and the Skilled Regional Visa subclass 491.
Business Visas
Business visas are designed for individuals with experience running a business overseas or those with funds to invest in Australia. The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa is a temporary visa that can lead to a permanent subclass 888 Business Visa if certain criteria are met. Applicants may need to demonstrate a successful business history or present a viable business plan.
Partner Visas
Partner visas are available for spouses, de-facto partners, or fiancés of Australian citizens or permanent residents. The visa is typically a two-step process, with a provisional visa granted first, followed by a permanent visa after two years if the couple remains together.
These are just a few examples of the many types of Australian visas available. Each visa has specific requirements and eligibility criteria, and individuals should carefully review the relevant information before applying.
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Political views on immigration
Migration has always been a central issue in Australian politics. The Sustainable Australia Party has pointed out that Australian population policy has been corrupted by vested interests, impacting economic, environmental, and social issues. The party is pro-immigration but advocates for lower immigration overall to maintain sustainability. They argue that rapid population growth, fuelled by high immigration, is unsustainable and increases social and economic inequality. They also highlight that immigration contributes to skills shortages rather than resolving them.
The Liberal Party, ahead of the 2022 federal election, promoted "Strong Border Protection" and focused on turning back boats and Temporary Protection Visas for asylum seekers. The Coalition government closed Australia's borders at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to emphasise border protection as restrictions eased.
The Australian Labor Party, on the other hand, has pushed for a renewed focus on permanent settlement. They support Operation Sovereign Borders, which includes third-country resettlement of asylum seekers and boat turnbacks, but they have committed to scrapping Temporary Protection Visas. Labor also intends to reform the Pacific mobility scheme and create a new engagement visa to encourage more migration from the Pacific region.
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) provides an overview of the public positions of the three major parties in Parliament: the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal-National Coalition, and the Australian Greens. However, specific details on the Greens' stance on immigration were not found in the retrieved sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Up to 10 people are allowed to gather in public spaces like parks.
Yes, there are caps on how many citizens are allowed to arrive each week.
State government vaccine mandates are being lifted. However, workers in healthcare, aged care, disability care, and education settings still require vaccination.
Dozens of Australian children were stranded in India due to the country's strict border controls.
