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Australia has historically experienced a net gain from migration, with more people immigrating than emigrating each year. This trend was temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures and travel restrictions, which caused a decline in international students and temporary visa holders. In recent years, Australia has seen a rebound in net migration, driven by an increase in arrivals and a decrease in departures. This has had complex effects on the labour force and housing market, with critics arguing that immigration policies have exacerbated Australia's housing crisis. Australia's immigration policies aim to support the economy, shape society, and address labour market demands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average number of migrant arrivals per year (5 years prior to the pandemic) | 515,000 |
| Average number of arrivals on temporary visas (5 years prior to the pandemic) | 307,000 |
| Average number of arrivals on permanent visas (5 years prior to 2020) | 92,000 |
| Number of Australian citizen arrivals (5 years prior to 2020) | 77,000 |
| Number of New Zealand citizen arrivals (5 years prior to 2020) | 32,000 |
| Number of temporary visa holders in 2023-24 | 465,000 |
| Number of permanent visa holder arrivals in 2023-24 | 91,000 |
| Number of Australian citizen arrivals in 2023-24 | 60,000 |
| Number of New Zealand citizen arrivals in 2023-24 | 51,000 |
| Number of international students in 2023-24 | 207,000 |
| Number of visitor visa holders in 2023-24 | 90,000 |
| Number of working holidaymakers in 2023-24 | 80,000 |
| Number of temporary skilled visa holders in 2023-24 | 49,000 |
| Number of people on bridging visas in September 2022 | 369,000 |
| Number of migrants living in Australia in 2020 | 7.6 million |
| Percentage of Australia's population that was born overseas in 2020 | 29.8% |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia's borders reopened on 21 February 2022, after almost two years of COVID-19 closures
- In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record 536,000 people
- In 2019-20, 62,200 Australian-born migrants returned, a net gain of 19,200
- In 2023-24, 465,000 temporary visas were issued, down from 557,000 the previous year
- Australia's population grew by 659,000 in 2023, causing a housing crisis
Australia's borders reopened on 21 February 2022, after almost two years of COVID-19 closures
On 7 February 2022, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the final stage of Australia's plan to reopen its borders. From 21 February 2022, Australia's borders reopened to fully vaccinated tourists and other visa holders, marking the end of almost two years of COVID-19 border closures. This decision was welcomed by the Business Council of Australia, which believed it would "supercharge" the country's economic recovery.
Prior to the pandemic, Australia had a high level of immigration, with an average of 515,000 migrant arrivals per year in the five years leading up to 2020. The majority of these arrivals were on temporary visas (307,000), while 92,000 arrived on permanent visas. Australian and New Zealand citizens accounted for 77,000 and 32,000 arrivals, respectively. This influx of immigrants contributed to Australia's population growth, with 30% of the population being born overseas as of 2020.
During the pandemic, Australia's immigration numbers were significantly impacted. Border closures and travel restrictions resulted in a temporary reversal of the usual migration trend, with more people emigrating from Australia than immigrating in 2020 and 2021. The number of migrant departures increased by 8% to 221,000 during this period.
In the 2023-24 financial year, Australia saw a decrease in net overseas migration, led by a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders. However, there was an increase in departures during this period. International students made up the largest group of temporary visa holders, with 207,000 arrivals, although this was a decrease from the previous year.
Historically, Australia has had a positive attitude towards immigration, with leaders of major federal political parties supporting high levels of immigration. After World War II, Australia launched a large-scale immigration program, and in recent years, the country has continued to attract foreigners seeking work or study opportunities. However, some critics argue that immigration policies have contributed to issues such as housing shortages and overburdened infrastructure.
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In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record 536,000 people
Australia has historically witnessed more people immigrating than emigrating, contributing to population growth. In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record 536,000 people, marking a significant increase from the previous year's figure of 519,650. This surge in migration can be attributed to the reopening of borders after nearly two years of COVID-19-induced restrictions.
The majority of these migrants held temporary visas, with international students constituting the largest group. In 2022-23, 207,000 international students arrived in Australia, a notable decrease from the 278,000 recorded in 2021-22. Other temporary visa holders included visitors (90,000), working holidaymakers (80,000), and temporary skilled workers (49,000).
During the same period, there was also an increase in the number of people arriving with permanent visas (91,000), Australian citizens (60,000), and New Zealand citizens (51,000). This indicates that not only did international students drive the record migration numbers, but there was also a substantial influx of people migrating to Australia on a more long-term or permanent basis.
The high levels of immigration to Australia have had a significant impact on the country's population growth and diversity. In 2020, it was estimated that 7.6 million migrants resided in Australia, constituting 29.8% of the population. This proportion increased to 30% in 2020, with approximately 1,026,000 British subjects immigrating under the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, also known as Ten Pound Poms.
While immigration has generally been supported by Australian political leaders, there have been concerns about its impact on housing and infrastructure. Critics argue that the housing crisis in Australia was exacerbated by the immigration policies of the Albanese government. However, it is important to note that immigration also has positive effects on the economy, with higher migration projected to increase income per capita.
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In 2019-20, 62,200 Australian-born migrants returned, a net gain of 19,200
Australia has historically experienced a net gain in migration, with more people immigrating than emigrating. This trend was temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures and travel restrictions. In the 2019-20 financial year, Australia saw significant changes in migration patterns due to the pandemic's early impact. During this period, there was a net gain of 19,200 Australian-born migrants, with 62,200 arrivals and 43,000 departures. This contrasted with the traditional trend of more Australian-born individuals emigrating than immigrating.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted migration patterns in Australia. Border closures and travel restrictions resulted in a low level of net migration from September 2020 to 2021. The rebound in migration exceeded expectations, driven primarily by people remaining in Australia rather than new arrivals. This period also witnessed a decrease in migrant departures, contributing to the temporary surge in net migration. The unusual migration trends during the pandemic are expected to normalize over the next few years.
In the five years before the pandemic, Australia welcomed an average of 515,000 migrant arrivals annually, with the majority holding temporary visas (307,000). During the 2019-20 financial year, the number of Australian citizen arrivals was around 50,000, contributing to the overall migration dynamics. Historically, Australia has attracted migrants from various countries, enhancing the diversity of its population.
Australia's migration policies have evolved since World War II, initially driven by the belief that the nation must "populate or perish." Over time, immigration policies have shifted towards multiculturalism and supporting specific sectors of the economy. The nation's immigration policies have been a topic of debate, with critics arguing that they have contributed to issues such as housing shortages and overburdened infrastructure. However, supporters of high immigration levels highlight the positive impact on the economy, society, and the labour market.
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In 2023-24, 465,000 temporary visas were issued, down from 557,000 the previous year
Australia has historically witnessed more people immigrating than emigrating, resulting in population growth. Post-World War II, Australia actively encouraged immigration, with hundreds of thousands of displaced Europeans settling in the country. This trend continued, and in 2019, Australia's population included 7.5 million people born overseas, representing 29.8% of the total population.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted migration patterns. Border closures in 2020 and 2021 led to a reversal in net migration, with fewer people immigrating to Australia. The rebound in migration after borders reopened in February 2022 was more significant than anticipated, driven by the arrival of international students and working holidaymakers, as well as a decrease in departures.
In 2023-24, Australia issued 465,000 temporary visas, a decrease from 557,000 the previous year. Despite this drop, temporary visa holders still constituted the largest group of migrant arrivals. International students made up the majority of this group, with 207,000 arrivals, although this too represented a decline from the previous year's 278,000. Other temporary visa holders included visitors (90,000), working holidaymakers (80,000), and temporary skilled workers (49,000).
While the number of temporary visas issued decreased, there was an increase in arrivals on permanent visas (91,000), as well as Australian (60,000) and New Zealand citizens (51,000). The overall trend in 2023-24 was a decrease in net overseas migration, led by a drop in migrant arrivals, particularly those on temporary visas.
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Australia's population grew by 659,000 in 2023, causing a housing crisis
Australia's population grew by 659,000 in 2023, a record-breaking increase driven primarily by migration. This rapid population growth has placed immense pressure on the country's housing market, exacerbating an existing housing crisis. The crisis is characterised by skyrocketing house prices, relentless rental increases, and a dire shortage of affordable and social housing.
Migration has been a significant contributor to Australia's population growth for years. In the five years leading up to the pandemic, the average number of migrant arrivals was 515,000 per year, with the majority holding temporary visas. After a brief reversal during the pandemic due to border restrictions, migration levels rebounded. In 2023, net overseas migration reached a record high, contributing to the unprecedented population growth.
While migration has undoubtedly played a role in the housing crisis, experts argue that it is not the primary cause. According to Michael Fotheringham, head of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, many migrants are temporary, such as international students, and do not enter the housing market. Instead, the crisis is driven by Australia's unique demographics and a critical shortage of residential land near jobs and services. This scarcity of well-located land has resulted in a disparity between those who benefit from homeownership and those who miss out.
The situation is further exacerbated by the decline in public housing and the ballooning waitlists, pushing more people into homelessness or overcrowded living conditions. Additionally, climate change has rendered many areas uninhabitable due to natural disasters, reducing the available housing stock. Government policies have also played a role in commercialising property ownership, shifting the focus from the ideal of owning a home to investment opportunities.
As a result of these interconnected factors, Australia is facing a housing crisis that has become a pivotal issue in recent elections. Both major political parties have pledged to address the crisis, recognising the challenges posed by high population growth and the scarcity of housing supply.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of people migrating to Australia varies each year. In the five years before the pandemic, the average number of migrant arrivals was 515,000 per year, with 307,000 on temporary visas and 92,000 on permanent visas. In 2023-24, there were 465,000 temporary visa holders, 91,000 permanent visa holders, 60,000 Australian citizens, and 51,000 New Zealand citizens.
No clear cap on immigration is stated, but the Australian government has shown support for high-level immigration. In 2009, the government reduced its immigration target by 14% due to the financial crisis, setting the permanent migration program for skilled migrants at 115,000 people for that financial year.
Yes, the pandemic significantly impacted migration to Australia. Border closures and travel restrictions resulted in an extremely low level of net migration from September 2020 to 2021. Australia's borders reopened in February 2022, leading to a period of record net migration as people arrived after nearly two years of restrictions.
