The number of migrants arriving in Australia has dropped compared to the previous year, according to the latest population figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Australia’s population grew by 380,700 people to reach 24.9 million in the year ending March 2018, of which net overseas migration (NOM) contributed 62 per cent with over 236,800 arrivals recorded.
However, the preliminary estimate of net overseas migration for the year ending March 2018 was 8.8 per cent or 22,800 people lower than the net overseas migration recorded for the year ending March 2017.
The ABS estimates 236,800 migrants arrived in the year ending March 2018 compared to 259,600 people recorded for the year ending March 2017.
But can this drop be attributed to the government’s decision to reduce the number of permanent visa grants in 2017-18?
Australia's permanent migrant intake dropped by more than 10 per cent last year due to tougher vetting procedures imposed by the federal government.
Despite the cap remaining at 190,000 in the last financial year, the actual intake fell to 163,000.
Australia took in 20,000 fewer permanent migrants than in the previous financial year, mostly thanks to a 12,000 cut in skilled visa places and an 8,000 cut in family visas.
Carla Wilshire, CEO of the Migration Council Australia says only a small part in this year’s variance could be attributed to policy shifts.
“The NOM (net overseas migration) does vary from year to year and the variance is likely in part an easing off historic highs," she says.
“While a small part of this year’s variance could be attributed to policy shifts this would only be one factor.”
“NOM as a number by itself does not provide an accurate picture of Australia’s migration footprint.”
India has been Australia's biggest source of skilled and family migrants in the last few years; it has also emerged as the top source of citizenship by conferral in Australia in the last five years.
People of Indian community gathered during the Independence day ceremony in Sydney. Source: SBS Gujarati
Census 2016 data revealed Indian population in Australia has grown to 455,389, up from 295,362 recorded in the Census from 2011.
Indians comprise of 1.9 per cent of Australia’s total population with Victoria being home to the largest Indian community in Australia with 169,802 followed by New South Wales at 143,459.
What is Net Overseas Migration?
Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is the net gain or loss of population through immigration to Australia and emigration from Australia.
NOM is 'based on an international travellers' duration of stay being in or out of Australia for 12 months or more over the 16 month period.
It includes people who are not permanent residents of Australia like international students; visiting parents and temporary work visa holders as long as their time in Australia adds up to at least 12 months within a 16-month window.
