In FY 2023–2024, net migration to Australia decreased by 16%, while arrivals decreased by 10%. Learn about the effects of changing rules, rising departures, and diminishing student enrollment.

Since reopening its borders after the pandemic, Australia has seen its first drop in net migration. Significant fluctuations in migrant arrivals, departures, and international student inflows are revealed by the most recent data. An extensive examination of the patterns and their consequences for Australia’s immigration environment can be found below.

Net Migration Drops by 16%

Figures of Net Migration: In fiscal year 2023–2024, Australia’s net foreign migration dropped to 4.46 lakh, a 16% decrease from 5.36 lakh the year before.

Definition and Background: The difference between migrant arrivals and departures is known as net overseas migration. More individuals are coming to Australia than are going, a phenomenon known as positive net migration. However, border closures brought on by pandemics in 2020 and 2021 momentarily halted this tendency.

Recent Shift: Since borders reopened in 2022, FY 2023–2024 marks the first yearly fall. The decline is mostly ascribed to a decrease in migrant arrivals, particularly those with temporary visas, and an increase in departures.

Important Arrival and Departure Trends

Total Arrivals of Migrants: Compared to FY 2022–2023 when there were 7.39 lakh migrants arriving in Australia, there were 6.67 lakh migrants arriving, a 10% decline.

Departures on the Rise: From 2.04 lakh the year before to 2.21 lakh this year, migrant departures climbed by 8%. This change implies that more people are deciding to leave Australia, which is causing net migration to drop.

Impact of Temporary Visas: International workers and students, who have historically accounted for a sizable amount of Australia’s migration numbers, are among the temporary visa categories that are mostly to blame for the drop in arrivals.

Perspectives on Migration by Country

India
Arrivals: In FY 2023–2024, 87,600 Indian nationals moved to Australia, a 19% decrease from the 1.08 lakh who came the year before.

India’s net migration, after deducting departures, was 72,360, compared to 94,840 in FY 2022–2023.

China
Arrivals : 75,830 Chinese arrived, a drop of 8% from 82,240 the year before.

Net Migration: China’s net migration number dropped from 59,530 in FY 2022–2023 to 49,720.

Worldwide Effects
A general downturn in migration inflows was reflected in the 10% drop in migrant arrivals to Australia across all source nations.

Worldwide Students: A Sharp Drop Numbers

Largest Group: In FY 2023–2024, international students accounted for 2.07 lakh, the largest group of migrant arrivals. Nonetheless, compared to 2.78 lakh the year before, this indicates a dramatic 26% drop.

Reasons for the Decline:

>increased costs for processing visas.

>higher living expenses.

>Uncertainty is caused by proposed government restrictions on the number of overseas students admitted.

Growth Trends by Country (January–August 2024)

India: There were 1.33 lakh Indian students, a 12% increase.

China: There are now 1.74 lakh Chinese students, a 13% increase.

Overall Student Numbers: During this time, there were 8.03 lakh international students, representing a mixed trend of growth for major source nations but a general fall in new arrivals.

Impact on Policy
Even though Parliament vetoed the proposed cap of 2.7 lakh international student enrollments per year for 2025, it has already damaged Australia’s standing as a top talent destination worldwide.

Country	FY 2023–24 Arrivals	FY 2022–23 Arrivals	% Change
India	87,600	1,08,140	(-19%)
China	75,830	82,240	(-8%)
Global	6,67,000	7,39,000	(-10%)

 Wider Consequences
Economic Impact :

Due in large part to the contributions of skilled workers and international students to the labor market and higher education sector, migration is essential to Australia’s economic success. Numerous industries that depend on migrant participation may be impacted by a prolonged downturn.

A Look at Policy

To draw and keep international talent, policymakers must address issues like exorbitant visa costs, living expenses, and cap uncertainty.

Restoring Australia’s appeal as a migration destination may involve bolstering assistance for overseas students and enhancing the routes to permanent residency.

Migration patterns in Australia point to a critical juncture for the country’s economic and immigration policies. The ongoing increase in the number of students from China and India indicates the long-term appeal of Australia’s educational system, even while the fall in net migration reflects current issues including growing costs and unclear policies. Targeted reforms to address these issues will be essential to preserving Australia’s standing as a worldwide center of opportunity and talent.