Lexi Webster
Australia has long been a nation of migrants, with migration booming since the easing of COVID-19 border restrictions. In 2023, Australia was ranked as the top country for individuals seeking a high-quality life, and it remains a popular destination for those seeking new opportunities. With a rich history of human migration dating back 65,000 years, the country has seen various waves of migration from different parts of the world, shaping its diverse cultural landscape. So, which countries have contributed the most to Australia's migration story in recent times?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australia's population born in another country | 30.7% (highest since 1892) |
| Net Overseas Migration (2022-23) | 528,000 |
| Countries with highest percentage of population living in Australia | New Zealand (10%) |
| Countries with emerging migrant groups | Bhutan, Colombia, Mongolia, Solomon Islands |
| Countries with declining migrant groups | United Kingdom, Italy, Greece |
| Key source countries for skilled migrants | China, India |
| Types of Australian immigration visas | Skilled Occupation, Working Holiday, Investor, Employment, Family, Special Humanitarian Programme (SHP) |
| Age limit for general skilled migrants | 50 |
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What You'll Learn
Migration from New Zealand
New Zealand citizens make up a large proportion of Australia's population, with over 10% of New Zealand's population living in Australia. This is due to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA), which came into effect in 1973 and allows citizens of each country to reside and work in the other country indefinitely, with some restrictions.
Under the TTTA, New Zealand citizens entering Australia are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV), which is a subclass 444 visa. This visa is automatically granted, subject to health and character considerations, and has no time limit. However, SCV holders cannot receive many social welfare payments, access student loans, or work for the Australian government unless they apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
The process of moving to Australia from New Zealand can be expensive, with costs depending on factors such as age, occupation, immigration status, qualifications, and work experience. Housing in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be particularly costly. New Zealanders moving to Australia should also consider the cost of living, which is higher in Australia, and may want to look into transferring their money to Australian dollars and opening a new bank account.
Other considerations for New Zealanders moving to Australia include healthcare coverage, shipping belongings, getting an Australian driver's license, and taking pets, which is usually allowed without a quarantine period. Overall, migration from New Zealand to Australia has been significant, with New Zealand citizens adding about a net 27,000 people to Australia's population each year, making it the country with the highest net migration to Australia.
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Migration from Bhutan
Australia has witnessed a migration boom since the easing of COVID-related border restrictions, with 30.7% of its population born outside the country, the highest percentage since 1892. This figure stood at 29.3% as per the 2021 Census, while the 2022-23 financial year saw a record Net Overseas Migration of 528,000 people.
Bhutan is one of the emerging source countries for migration to Australia, with an estimated 27,810 people born in Bhutan living in Australia, constituting almost 4% of Australia's population. This is a significant proportion, especially when compared to more established migrant groups such as those from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Greece, which have seen declines in recent migration.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides data on net overseas migration from Bhutan to Australia. While the specific numbers are not mentioned, the data covers the financial years from 2009 to 2023 and is presented in thousands of people.
The migration trends from Bhutan to Australia reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of Australia's population, which continues to be shaped by immigration from various parts of the world. As border restrictions ease and global mobility increases, it is likely that Australia will continue to experience a migration boom, with Bhutan contributing to the growing diversity of its population.
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Migration from Colombia
Australia has long been a nation of migrants, and migration has boomed since the easing of COVID border restrictions. In the 2022-23 financial year, there was a record net overseas migration of 528,000 people. This has resulted in 30.7% of the population being born outside of Australia, the highest percentage since 1892.
Colombia has been one of the emerging groups of migrants to Australia, with a 61% increase in the number of Colombian-born people living in the country. In 2024, there were 23,960 Colombians living in Australia, compared to 18,000 in 2020, and this number is expected to have increased further since. This increase has been driven in part by Colombian students, whose numbers rose to 27,000 in mid-2023, and Colombian nationals are now in the top five source countries for asylum in Australia.
There are several visa routes for Colombians wishing to migrate to Australia. These include skilled migration, partner visas, employment-based visas, and investment visas. For skilled migration, Colombians must have an occupation listed as in-demand in Australia, and they must pass a Positive Skills Assessment. They can then make an Expression of Interest, and if they score over 65 points, they can apply for a visa. Points are awarded for age, English language proficiency, professional experience, and education. Partner visas are also available for Colombians with an Australian partner, and these are temporary to permanent visas.
Colombians wishing to visit Australia require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which can be subclass 601. This is not a visa, but it does allow Colombians to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months.
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Migration from the UK
Australia is a nation of migrants, and migration has boomed since the end of COVID border restrictions, with 30.7% of its population born in another country. This is the highest percentage recorded since 1892. The postwar migration program bolstered the percentage of overseas-born residents, which fell to its lowest level of around 10% at the end of World War II.
In addition to the "Ten Pound Pom" scheme, other initiatives encouraged UK migration to Australia. The "Bring out a Briton" campaign in 1957 further incentivized migration, with 1969 seeing the peak of this scheme's usage, attracting over 80,000 migrants. The cost for assisted passage increased to £75 in 1973, and the scheme officially ended in 1982.
Today, migration from the UK to Australia continues, with Australia's shared language and culture, sunny weather, and friendly people attracting British newcomers. While Australia's strict immigration policy and competitive points-based system can make the process challenging, several visa pathways are available, including skilled migration visas, family or partner visas, and the Skilled Independent visa. The cost of living in Australia is generally higher than in the UK, with housing expenses up to 30% higher. However, groceries and utilities are more affordable.
Overall, migration from the UK to Australia has contributed significantly to the cultural and demographic landscape of the country, with many individuals and families making the move to pursue new opportunities and a different lifestyle.
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Migration from China
Australia has long been a nation of migrants, with 30.7% of its population born in another country—the highest percentage since 1892. Migration to Australia has boomed since the end of COVID border restrictions, with a record net overseas migration of 528,000 people in the 2022-23 financial year.
China has been a significant source of migration to Australia, with a long history dating back to the early 19th century. The earliest known Chinese immigrant to Australia was Mak Sai Ying, who was born in Guangzhou (Canton) in 1798 and arrived as a free settler in New South Wales in 1818. The discovery of gold in Australia in 1851 and the subsequent gold rushes led to a significant increase in Chinese migration, with most immigrants coming from southern China, particularly the provinces of Guangdong (Kwangtung) and Fujian (Fukien). This migration shaped Australian immigration policies for over a century. The average voyage from Canton via Hong Kong to Sydney and Melbourne took about three months, and ship masters profited from the passage fares.
The 1850s and 1860s saw the largest pre-federation Chinese migration to Australia, with numbers peaking at around 40,000. Many Chinese immigrants faced difficult conditions and overpopulation in their home country, and they sought to escape poverty and find new economic opportunities in Australia. However, this influx of Chinese immigrants also led to a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment in Australian cities, resulting in restrictive Acts in New South Wales in 1881 and 1888. Despite these challenges, the Chinese community in Australia continued to grow and establish itself, with new institutions, businesses, and publications catering to their needs.
After the abolition of the White Australia policy in 1973, Australia saw a new wave of arrivals from the Chinese diaspora, including refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia during the 1970s and economic migrants from Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s. The Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989 also led to an increase in immigration from mainland China, as the Australian Prime Minister at the time, Bob Hawke, allowed students from China residing in Australia to settle permanently. Since then, immigration from mainland China and Taiwan has continued to grow, with an increasing number of skilled workers and business investors taking advantage of visa programs offered by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is a nation of migrants, with 30.7% of its population born in another country—the highest percentage since 1892. The country has seen a migration boom since the end of COVID border restrictions. In 2023, Australia was ranked as the top country for individuals seeking a high-quality life. The largest sources of migration to Australia are skilled migration and family reunion programs.
Emerging groups migrating to Australia include those from Bhutan, Columbia, Mongolia, and the Solomon Islands. For example, the number of people from Bhutan living in Australia equates to almost 4% of the country's population.
Countries that have seen a decline in migration to Australia include the United Kingdom, Italy, and Greece. These countries represent an older wave of migrants in the immediate post-World War II period, with little recent migration.
There are several types of visas available for migration to Australia, including:
- Skilled Occupation visas for highly skilled workers
- Working Holiday visas for those who want to work and sometimes study in the country
- Investor visas for foreign investors who invest in Australian businesses or funds
- Special Humanitarian Programme (SHP) visas for those facing substantial discrimination in their home countries
