Breaking Records: Positive Net Movement of Australians in 2023-24 | Australia Immigration News
Australia's net movement of citizens reached a record positive in 2023-24, reversing previous trends. Net migration also exceeded forecasts, driven by a strong labor market.
In 2023-24, the net movement of Australian citizens reached a new positive record of 37,380, a significant reversal from previous years, excluding the initial year of COVID-19. This shift challenges the government's net migration forecast of 395,000 for 2023-24.
Net Migration of Australian Citizens
Historically, the net migration of Australian citizens has been negative, influenced by global events and domestic labor market conditions. For example, during the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19, more Australians returned home than left. Conversely, high unemployment in Australia led to more long-term departures, such as from 2013-14 to 2015-16.
Impact of COVID-19
After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a record negative net movement of Australian citizens. In 2021-22, it was negative 380,510, followed by negative 242,610 in 2022-23. This contributed to a net migration of negative 32,200 Australian citizens in 2022-23, despite an overall net migration of just under 550,000.
Reversal in 2023-24
In 2023-24, the trend reversed, with a positive net movement of 37,380 Australian citizens. This change is likely due to a strong Australian labor market compared to New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and China. Consequently, Australian citizens are expected to contribute positively to net migration in 2023-24.
Government Forecasts and Implications
The Treasury’s Centre for Population had predicted a negative contribution of 20,000 Australian citizens to net migration in 2023-24, within an overall forecast of 395,000. However, with net permanent and long-term movements for the 11 months to May 2024 at 445,510, it appears the actual net migration will significantly exceed 400,000.
Political Implications
The final net migration figures will be published by the ABS towards the end of 2024. This outcome is likely to become a point of political contention, as the surge in net migration is partly attributed to previous government policies that were not reversed promptly.
What's Your Reaction?
