Despite stern measures to manage migration, Australia allowed a record 751,500 new immigrants in 2023, official statistics revealed. Last year’s migration led to a 2.5% increase in the country’s total population, reaching 26.97 million, marking a shift in the country’s new policies to manage migration.
The latest data were released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). New figures indicated that net overseas migration was 547,300 last year, including 252,000 in the first half of this year. According to the data, the 751,500 immigrant arrivals are the largest in Australian history. This figure is a 98,000 or 15.0% increase compared to 2022 when 619,600 people immigrated to Australia, which was a record at that time.
Head of Demography at ABS, Beidar Cho, stated that Australia’s net overseas migration in 2023 drove 84% of the population growth, while natural increase accounted for the other 16%. Meanwhile, the natural increase in 2023 was 103,900 people, 6.4% less than in 2022.
According to the data, Western Australia recorded the fastest-growing population, up 3.3% from 2022. It was followed by Victoria, with growth of 2.8%. Meanwhile, Queensland’s population grew by 2.6%, and the lowest growth was recorded in Tasmania, with a 0.4% increase.
The latest data indicate a sharp increase in Australia’s population caused by migration. However, these data also indicate that despite the number of measures taken by the Australian government, all attempts have been ineffective. Despite this drawback, the Australian government made another decision regarding visas earlier this week. Starting from July 1st, visitor visa holders will no longer be able to change their visa status to a student visa while onshore in Australia.
According to the Australian government, the latest measure was aimed at closing bureaucratic loopholes that allowed students and other temporary visa holders in Australia to stay for longer periods. However, despite numerous measures, migration to Australia is on the rise, rendering all government measures ineffective.
Australia Tightens Rules: Visitor to Student Visa hopping Ends July 1st
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