Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's population growth has slowed as more people leave the country, with the number of departures hitting the highest level since the pandemic. In the 2023-24 financial year, migrant departures increased by 8% to 221,000, up from 204,000 the previous year. This marks a reversal from historical trends, where more people migrated to Australia than left each year. The decrease in net overseas migration in 2023-24 was driven by a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders, while departures increased. International student numbers have also stabilised, with some students opting to leave Australia due to the high cost of living.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migrant departures in 2023-24 | 221,000 (an increase of 8% from the previous year) |
| Top countries of birth for migrant departures in 2022-23 | China, India, the UK, the Philippines, and Australia |
| Reasons for leaving | High cost of living, including food, energy, and housing |
| Number of people who left NSW in the last three months of 2024 | 31,000 |
| Number of people who left Victoria in the last three months of 2024 | 21,000 |
| Population of Australia as of December 31, 2024 | 27,400,013 |
| Annual population growth rate as of December 31, 2024 | 1.7% |
| Number of short-term visitor arrivals in May 2025 | 67,990 |
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What You'll Learn
Migrant departures increased 8% to 221,000 in 2023
Australia has historically seen more people migrate into the country than out of it each year, resulting in population growth. However, this trend temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures. In 2023, migrant departures increased by 8% to 221,000, up from 204,000 the previous year. This increase in departures, coupled with a decrease in arrivals, led to the first annual decline in net overseas migration since border restrictions were lifted in 2022.
Several factors have influenced migration patterns in Australia in recent years. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting border closures significantly impacted international travel and migration. Secondly, Australia's high cost of living has been a key factor in people's decisions to leave the country. Rising prices for essentials such as food, energy, and housing have made it challenging for some individuals, especially those on student or temporary visas, to maintain their standard of living in Australia.
Additionally, the Australian visa system has played a role in migration dynamics. While the country has experienced a slowdown in overseas arrivals, population growth has not declined as rapidly due to dynamics in the visa system. The pandemic also affected international student numbers, which have started to stabilise after years of concern over surging arrivals. Furthermore, there is a growing cohort of people on bridging visas and skilled graduates seeking longer stays, presenting new challenges for the immigration system.
Despite the increase in departures, Australia's population continued to grow. As of December 2024, Australia's population stood at 27,400,013, with an annual growth of 445,900 people (1.7%). This growth was driven by a combination of natural increase (births minus deaths) and net overseas migration (arrivals minus departures). Western Australia recorded the highest annual population growth rate at 2.4%, followed by Queensland and Victoria at 1.9% each.
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The number of departures from NSW was 31,000, and 21,000 from Victoria
In the final quarter of 2024, 70,000 people left Australia, marking the highest departure figures since the March 2020 travel restrictions. The number of people migrating away from Australia has been rising since the country reopened its borders in February 2022. This has resulted in a decline in population growth.
The states with the highest number of departures are New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. In the last three months of 2024, 31,000 people left NSW, and 21,000 left Victoria. These two states lost more residents to other states than they gained. Queensland and Western Australia were the only states to record an increase in population from interstate migration.
Several factors have influenced the rise in departures from Australia. One key factor is the stabilisation of international student numbers. In the past, surging student arrivals had been a concern for Labor ministers, who attempted to limit overseas enrolments. However, these efforts were blocked by the Coalition and Greens in parliament. Additionally, the pandemic may have played a role, as border closures and travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 prevented many potential migrants from entering the country.
The increase in departures from NSW and Victoria could be attributed to various reasons. Better housing affordability and stronger economies in states like Queensland and Western Australia may have attracted residents from these states. Additionally, Victoria experienced the largest net outflow of Australian citizens in 2020-21 due to a decrease in arrivals compared to the previous financial year.
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International students are leaving, impacting migration numbers
Australia has historically experienced a net gain in migration, with more people migrating to the country than leaving each year. However, this trend temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures and other pandemic-related impacts. In 2023-24, Australia saw an annual decrease in net overseas migration, with a decrease in migrant arrivals and an increase in departures.
International students make up a significant portion of Australia's migration numbers. In 2023-24, 57% of 23-year-old migrant arrivals were international students, and the number of international students from India and China increased until the pandemic. However, due to the pandemic, many international students who had temporarily left Australia were unable to return and were recorded as migrant departures.
The Australian government's decision to cap international student numbers has sparked controversy and concerns about significant losses in revenue and jobs. University-commissioned research predicts negative economic consequences, and while the government aims to reduce overall migration, many Australians oppose decreasing international student numbers.
The recovery of international education in late 2023 was followed by rising rents and shrinking accommodation availability, prompting the government to implement migration policy changes, including higher visa application fees. These changes have already impacted vocational education, and while higher education has been more resilient, visa grants in early 2024 were below pre-COVID levels. As international students complete their courses and leave Australia, the country may experience a further impact on migration numbers.
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High costs of living are causing people to leave Australia
Australia has long been a popular destination for immigrants, with more people migrating to the country than leaving each year. However, recent years have seen a shift in this trend, with a growing number of people departing Australia. In 2023-24, migrant departures increased by 8% to 221,000, compared to 204,000 departures the previous year. This marks the first annual decrease in net overseas migration since border restrictions were lifted following the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there are various factors contributing to this trend, one significant reason is the high cost of living in Australia. The cost-of-living crisis has put many individuals and families at risk of homelessness and caused financial stress for vulnerable communities. The combination of reduced affordability and a lack of adequate housing has exacerbated the situation, with rental prices rising and vacancy rates remaining low. This has particularly impacted low-income families, forcing them to cut back on expenses, move into cheaper housing, or share housing to sustain their livelihoods.
For immigrants, the high cost of living in Australia can be a significant challenge. Tiger Xiong, an international student from China, shared her struggles with the high costs of rent, transport, and food in Melbourne. She found it difficult to support herself financially after graduating, despite having moved to Australia to escape high-pressure working conditions back home. Similarly, Mr. Zhang, who moved his family to Australia in 2008, decided to return to his hometown of Chengdu, China, in 2024. He explained that due to the cost-of-living crisis, his family could enjoy a higher standard of living back in China, with better amenities and a higher quality of life.
The issue of affordability and its impact on migration is not limited to immigrants alone. Associate Professor Anna Boucher, a global migration expert, highlighted the relationship between skilled immigration and access to housing. She noted that migrants in Australia tend to have less access to property and fewer liquid assets, which can influence their decision to stay in the country. As a result, Australia risks losing highly productive migrants or failing to attract them in the first place if it becomes less competitive compared to other destinations.
In conclusion, while Australia has historically been a desirable destination for immigrants, the high costs of living are causing people to reconsider. The financial pressures and challenges of securing affordable housing have pushed individuals and families to leave the country in search of a higher standard of living. This trend could have implications for Australia's ability to attract and retain skilled migrants, potentially impacting the country's economy and society at large.
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The number of migrant arrivals decreased in 2023-24
Australia has historically witnessed more people migrating into the country than those migrating away each year, resulting in a net population gain. However, this trend was temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 due to border closures. After the borders reopened in February 2022, Australia experienced a period of record net overseas migration as people rushed in following the lifting of restrictions.
In 2023-24, Australia saw its first annual decrease in net overseas migration since the reopening of borders. This was primarily driven by a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly among temporary visa holders, while departures increased during the same period. The number of migrant arrivals from India, China, and the Philippines decreased compared to the previous year, 2022-23, while arrivals from Australia and the United Kingdom increased. Despite the decrease in migrant arrivals, every state and territory in Australia still recorded a net gain in population during this period, with the country's overall population growing by 445,640 people.
The median duration of stay for visitors to Australia in 2023-24 was 12 days, a slight decrease from the previous year's median of 14 days. Visitor arrivals in 2023-24 were at 7,966,040, a 36% increase from 2022-23. Additionally, the number of Australian residents returning from overseas trips increased by 32% compared to the previous year.
While the number of migrant arrivals decreased in 2023-24, it is important to note that overall, Australia still experienced a net population gain during this period. The decrease in arrivals was offset by an increase in departures, contributing to a lower net migration figure compared to previous years.
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Frequently asked questions
70,000 people left the country in the December quarter of 2024, the highest number since the pandemic.
Some people leave Australia due to the high cost of living. Others leave for retirement or to raise children.
The top countries of birth for migrant departures in 2023-24 were China, India, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Migration departures increased by 8% to 221,000 in 2024, contributing to a slowdown in population growth. However, historically, more people migrate to Australia than leave each year, resulting in a net population gain.
