Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has a long history of immigration driving its economic and social development, with more than a quarter of its population being foreign-born. In recent years, the country has seen a net gain in population through international migration, with the number of people migrating to Australia exceeding those emigrating. In the year ending in June 2024, Australia's population increased by 446,000 people due to overseas migration, a decrease from the previous year's record of 536,000. The top countries of birth for overseas migrants in 2023-24 were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom, with Indian and Chinese migrants showing steady increases before the pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration arrivals vs departures | Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year. |
| Migration arrivals | In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for migrant arrivals were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. |
| Migration departures | In 2023-24, departures for temporary visa holders (104,000), Australian citizens (84,000), permanent visa holders (19,000), and New Zealand citizens (14,000) all recorded lower levels than the five-year pre-pandemic average. |
| Net overseas migration | In the year ending September 30, 2024, net overseas migration was 379,800. In the September 2023 quarter, net overseas migration increased but remained lower than the record of 157,684 from the March quarter of 2023. |
| Population growth | Australia's population grew by 484,000 people (1.8%) in the year ending September 30, 2024. Western Australia had the fastest population growth rate (2.5%) among the states and territories, while Tasmania had the slowest (0.3%). |
| Unemployment rate | Australia's unemployment rate decreased from 4.1% to 3.7% in February 2024, despite a slowing economy. |
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What You'll Learn
Immigration's impact on Australia's economy and society
Immigration has had a significant impact on Australia's economy and society. Historically, more people have migrated to Australia than have migrated away each year, contributing to a net population gain. In the year ending June 30, 2024, overseas migration added 446,000 people to Australia's population, a decrease from the previous year's record of 536,000.
Economic Impact
Migration plays an integral role in Australia's economy. It influences population growth, participation, and productivity, which are key drivers of economic growth. Migration has helped address skills shortages and boosted productivity, with regions that have higher migrant populations also experiencing higher wages. The post-pandemic influx of migrants was crucial for recovering population levels, supporting the labour force, and replenishing classrooms.
However, some argue that the downsides of increasing migration, such as environmental impacts, are often overlooked. The growing population has led to increased demands for resources, urban heat, congestion, pollution, and waste. These issues have negatively impacted the quality of life for many Australians, particularly in major cities.
Social Impact
Immigration has also had a significant social impact on Australia. It has contributed to cultural diversity, creating richness in communities. The top countries of birth for overseas migrants in 2023-24 were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, increased migration has also led to public hostility due to the failure to manage the social impacts, such as the strain on infrastructure and the environment.
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Australia's hardline asylum seeker policies
Australia has long been a destination for immigrants and asylum seekers, with migration driving its economic and social development for over two centuries. In the year ending June 2024, net overseas migration contributed a gain of 446,000 people to Australia's population, a decrease from the record 536,000 people the previous year.
Despite this, Australia has faced controversy over its hardline asylum seeker policies. In 2019, then-US President Donald Trump praised Australia's approach to asylum seekers, stating that there was "much to be learned" from it. Trump specifically referenced controversial Australian advertising campaigns aimed at asylum seekers, which used language such as "No Way – You will not make Australia home" to deter people from seeking refuge by boat.
Australia's policy towards asylum seekers arriving by boat involves processing their claims at offshore facilities, where they may remain for years. The government refuses to bring those found to be refugees to Australia, instead seeking to resettle them in third countries. Border force officials also turn back asylum seeker vessels when it is deemed safe to do so. These policies have been criticised at the UN as breaching international law.
Australia's hardline approach has also involved the use of offshore detention centres, with asylum seekers diverted to Nauru, a small Pacific Island nation. This has led to mixed attitudes among local Nauruans, with some concerned about their economy's reliance on Australia and the foreign workers associated with the processing centre.
Additionally, Australia has an annual immigration cap of 190,000 places, which the government has indicated it may reduce further. There are also plans to restrict new immigrants from living in Australia's largest cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, for up to five years. Critics argue that such policies could lead to labour shortages.
Despite international obligations to protect the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees, Australia's hardline policies have resulted in indefinite immigration detention for some, with no legal limit on the length of time a person may be detained. While there has been a move towards community arrangements and processing asylum seekers on the mainland, concerns remain about the treatment of vulnerable groups, including children, under these hardline policies.
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Migration trends from top countries
Australia, along with Canada and the United States, is often described as a traditional country of immigration. Each of these countries has historically encouraged immigration for permanent settlement, which has been essential for their development.
In the year ending June 2024, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 446,000 people to Australia's population. This was a decrease from the previous year, when a record 536,000 people migrated to the country.
In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The number of migrant arrivals decreased for all these countries except Australia and the United Kingdom, which both increased. Arrivals from India, China, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom were higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19. Analysis over the previous decade shows a steady increase in migrants born in India and China before the pandemic. However, for Chinese-born migrants, a decline started in late 2017, well before the pandemic.
In 2023-24, the number of migrant departures increased to 221,000, up from 204,000 the year before. This is an 8% increase on the previous year and the first annual increase in migrant departures since borders reopened. In the five years before the pandemic, the average number of migrant departures was 288,000 per year, with the largest group being those on temporary visas (140,000).
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Visa types and workplace rights
Australia has long been a popular destination for immigrants, with net overseas migration contributing a gain of 446,000 people to the country's population in the year ending June 30, 2024, a decrease from the previous year's record of 536,000.
When it comes to visa types and workplace rights in Australia, here is some key information:
Visa Types
- Subclass 444 Visa: This visa is granted to New Zealand citizens upon their arrival in Australia if they do not already hold another visa.
- Subclass 482 Visa: This is a temporary skilled shortage visa that allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for up to four years while working for their sponsor.
- Subclass 457 Visa: This is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for a period of up to four years.
Workplace Rights for Visa Holders
- Visa holders in Australia have the same workplace rights and entitlements as all other employees, regardless of their migration status.
- All employees in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage and fair working conditions, as outlined in the country's workplace laws.
- Employers engaging foreign workers must comply with Australian workplace laws and immigration laws, including paying market salary rates for migrant workers.
- Visa holders have the right to work in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, free from sexual harassment.
- Visa holders should be aware of the rules and conditions of their visa, including any restrictions on employment and working hours.
- Employers cannot cancel an employee's visa, even if they breach their visa conditions. Only the Department of Home Affairs has the authority to grant, refuse, or cancel visas.
- Visa holders who face workplace issues can seek support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, which provides free services and resources to help resolve workplace problems.
It is important for visa holders to understand their rights and obligations in the workplace and to ensure they comply with their visa conditions to avoid any adverse consequences under the Migration Act.
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Net overseas migration
Historically, more people have migrated to Australia than have migrated away each year, resulting in a net population gain for the country. This trend was temporarily disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic when border closures and other pandemic-related factors caused a decrease in immigration. In the year ending June 30, 2024, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 446,000 people to Australia's population, a decrease from the record 536,000 people the previous year.
In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants to Australia were India, China, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This represented a decrease from the previous year for all countries except the United Kingdom and Australia, which both increased. Arrivals from India, China, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom were higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19. Over the previous decade, there was a steady increase in migrants born in India and China before the pandemic. However, arrivals from China began to decline from late 2017, well before the pandemic.
In terms of departures from Australia, the number of migrant departures increased to 221,000 in 2023-24, up from 204,000 the year before. This represented an 8% increase and was the first annual increase in migrant departures since the borders reopened after the pandemic. In the five years prior to the pandemic, the average number of migrant departures was 288,000 per year, with the largest group being those on temporary visas (140,000).
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Frequently asked questions
The net migration rate in Australia for 2024 is estimated to be 5.9 migrants per 1,000 population. Net migration is the total number of immigrants minus the number of emigrants.
Net overseas migration is the net gain or loss of population through international migration to and from Australia. In the year ending June 30, 2024, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 446,000 people to Australia's population. This was a decrease from the previous year's record of 536,000 people.
In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants to Australia were India, China, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
NOM arrivals and departures are based on the '12/16 month rule'. An incoming international traveller who stays in Australia for 12 months or more within a 16-month period and is not currently counted in Australia's population is a NOM arrival. A NOM departure is an outgoing traveller who is subsequently absent from Australia for 12 months or more within a 16-month period and was previously counted within the population.
