Indians remain top immigrants to Australia despite fall in net migration

The net number of overseas migrants to Australia dropped to 4,46,000 in the financial year 2023-24, compared to 5,36,000 in 2022-23, marking the first decline since the country re-opened its borders after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). However, Indians topped the chart for arrivals to Australia, primarily due to the large number of international students who go to Australia for their higher education.

In 2023-24 alone, the number of migrant arrivals decreased to 667,000, down from 739,000 the previous year, reflecting a 10% overall decline in migrant arrivals.

The decrease in net overseas migration might be due to a sharp increase in the fees for student visas. A rise of 125% has been seen.

This is after the Australian government announced this year that it would more than double visa fees for international students, raising them from AUD 710 (USD 473) to AUD 1,600 (USD1,068), starting July 1.

The government also raised the minimum saving requirements for student visas. This is the second visa hike in the last seven months.

INDIANS LEAD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVALS IN AUSTRALIA

The number of student visa holders in Australia also dropped by 25%, from 278,000 in 2022-23 to 207,000 in 2023-24.

India, however, continues to lead as the top country of origin for immigrants, particularly driven by international students.

In 2023-24, the number of Indian students enroling in Australian institutions for higher studies decreased from 96,490 in March 2024 to 87,600 by June 2024.

Despite this, Indian student arrivals exceeded pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2018-19, highlighting the continued importance of India as a top source of international students.

Migrant departures also saw an increase in the 2023-24 financial year, rising to 221,000 from 204,000 the previous year, marking an 8% rise.

The number of departures from India was notably high, ranking third after Australia and China.

Indian students accounted for a significant portion of these departures, with 15,240 Indian students leaving Australia by June 2024, up from 14,350 in March 2024.

In the January-September 2023 period, over 1.22 lakh Indian students were enroled in Australian institutions, maintaining India’s position as a key source of international students.