Australia’s net overseas migration drops; international student arrivals decline: Data

Australia’s 2023-24 net overseas migration saw its first annual decrease since border restrictions were lifted, with a decrease in temporary visa holders and an increase in departures.

Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year, meaning overseas migration has been a significant source of population gain for Australia rather than loss. 2023-24 represents the first annual decrease in net overseas migration since the border restrictions were lifted. This lower level was led by a decrease in migrant arrivals, largely temporary visa holders, while departures increased during the same period.

In the year ending 30 June 2024, while total migrant arrivals decreased 10% to 667,000 from 739,000 arrivals a year earlier, the Net overseas migration was 446,000 in 2023-24, down from 536,000 a year earlier. Net overseas migration is the net gain or loss of population through international migration to and from Australia.

In 2022-23, there was an annual increase of 73%. Migrant arrivals in 2023-24 represent the first decrease since the borders reopened.

In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for overseas migrants were India, China, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. However, in 2023-24, net gains from India and China were lower than the previous year. Net gains from the United Kingdom and New Zealand were higher than the previous year.

According to recent migration data, the number of international student arrivals in Australia decreased significantly in 2023-24. While international students were the largest temporary visa group, with 207,000 arrivals, this was down from 278,000 in 2022–23.

In 2023-24, the number of migrant arrivals decreased to 667,000, down from 739,000 the year before. This equates to an annual decrease of 10%.

In 2023-24, those on temporary visas (465,000) recorded lower volumes than the previous year (557,000). Permanent visa holder arrivals (91,000), Australian citizen arrivals (60,000) and New Zealand citizens (51,000) however, recorded higher volumes. Other temporary visa holders included visitors (90,000 migrant arrivals), working holiday makers (80,000), and temporary skilled (49,000).

Due to the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions, there were very low numbers of temporary migrants arriving in Australia during the pandemic.

Many of those who arrived on temporary visas after travel restrictions were lifted, such as international students, are starting to leave now as enough time has elapsed since their first arrival after the lifting of border restrictions.

For example, migrant departures on temporary student visas increased 97% from 2022-23, as some finished their studies and returned home. This will continue to have a downward impact on net overseas migration as the volume of temporary migrant departures increases.