Australia’s Immigration Numbers Are Increasing: New Data Reveals Shocking Figures
Australia's migration numbers are surging due to international students, backpackers, and visa overstayers. Population growth surpasses forecasts, driving policy changes.
Education Minister Jason Clare has pointed to international students, backpackers, and visa overstayers as key reasons behind Australia's rising migration numbers, which are expected to exceed predictions. Clare acknowledged that Australia’s current migration figures are "too high" and attributed this to three primary factors: a swift return of international students after the pandemic, an increase in backpackers, and individuals overstaying their visas.
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the nation's population surpassed 27.1 million, with 388,000 overseas migrants arriving in the first nine months of the 2023-24 fiscal year. This surge ensures that migration will surpass the projected 395,000 figure set in the latest budget.
Australia Migration Trends Overview
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Australian Population (2024) | Over 27.1 million |
| Overseas Migrants (2023-24 FY) | 388,000 |
| Projected Migration (2023 Budget) | 395,000 |
| Key Contributing Factors | International Students, |
| Backpackers, Visa Overstayers | |
| Net Overseas Migration (March 2024) | 509,800 |
| Population Growth (Western Australia) | 3.1% |
| Population Growth (Victoria) | 2.7% |
| Population Growth (Queensland) | 2.5% |
| Population Growth (NSW) | 2% |
| Net Departures from NSW | 112,838 |
| Net Departures from Queensland | 76,000 |
| Net Departures from Victoria | 57,000 |
Speaking on the morning show Sunrise, Mr. Clare emphasized the need to reduce migration numbers and highlighted a plan to limit international student admissions to 270,000 by 2024 as part of the solution.
“Immigration is too high, and we must bring it down,” Clare remarked, while also identifying other contributors to the migration boom. "International students, backpackers, and visa overstayers are the main factors driving these numbers."
Meanwhile, Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley commented on the proposed cap for international students, stating that the Coalition is still reviewing the policy. She emphasized the need for a thorough discussion on the broader impacts on various communities and industries.
In addition to migration, the ABS data also highlighted a significant internal migration trend, with more than 100,000 Australians moving between states. Notably, New South Wales (NSW) saw a mass departure, with over 112,000 residents relocating to other parts of the country and more than 73,000 leaving for overseas.
NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory all recorded a net loss of residents to both interstate and international migration. Queensland, despite losing 76,000 residents to other states and 39,171 to overseas destinations, gained over 200,000 new residents. Victoria also saw nearly 57,000 residents leave for overseas, while over 74,000 moved interstate.
Western Australia experienced the highest population growth, increasing by 3.1% over the year, driven by an influx of 36,145 interstate migrants and 86,443 people from overseas. Sydney and Melbourne, however, remained the top destinations for international migrants, with more than 440,000 new arrivals settling in the cities.
Migration Movements by State
| State/Territory | Residents Leaving | Residents Gaining | Net Migration Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 112,838 | N/A | Negative |
| Queensland | 76,000 | 200,000 | Positive |
| Victoria | 57,000 | N/A | Negative |
| Western Australia | N/A | 86,443 | Positive |
| Tasmania | N/A | N/A | Low Growth (0.4%) |
| Northern Territory | N/A | N/A | Low Growth (0.8%) |
ABS demography expert Beidar Cho explained that 83% of the country's population growth was attributed to net overseas migration, while the remaining 17% came from natural factors like births and deaths. In March 2024, annual net overseas migration was recorded at 509,800, down from its September 2023 peak of nearly 560,000.
Western Australia had the most significant population increase at 3.1%, followed by Victoria at 2.7%, and Queensland at 2.5%. Tasmania recorded the slowest growth at just 0.4%. NSW's population grew by 2%, the ACT by 1.8%, and South Australia by 1.5%. Tasmania saw the least growth at 0.4%, while the Northern Territory's population increased by 0.8%.
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