Australia is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels of migration in the coming years, according to a new report from the Australian Population Centre (APC). COVID-19, which was the biggest mass migration event in human history, left 473,000 people behind in countries as far away as India and China. But net inward migration is now on track to rebound to pre-pandemic levels of 235,000 people a year.
Migration is returning to pre-pandemic levels and the government’s plan for getting more skilled migrants into Australia looks to be working. Jim Chalmers, the Treasury Secretary, said the center’s 2022 statement confirmed migration was “part of the solution” to skills and labor shortages.”
Pre-flight Covid testing has been reinstated for Chinese travelers
Migration to Australia may resume in the near future as it stabilizes. However, earlier this year the government reinstated pre-flight Covid testing for travelers entering Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, raising concerns that trade, migration, and the arrival of international students might once again be disrupted.
Andrew McKellar, the president, and CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Given the evolving situation in China, the government’s decision to require a negative test on departure is appropriate and accepted by the business.
“With the Chinese border only just reopening it will take some time before we see international arrivals from China return to their pre-pandemic levels.
“As such, we don’t expect testing requirements will have any great impact on our local tourism operators.”
Vicki Thomson, the chief executive of the Group of Eight universities, said that although it may “affect students returning to study,” the decision was made “in the best interests of our students and the larger Australian society.”
According to the research from the center, the migration recovery last year was driven by the return of international students, who numbered 122,000 more in Australia in October 2022 than in December 2021, including 36,000 more Chinese students, an increase of 90%.
Between January and September 2022, awards for offshore student visas were the highest ever, while those for working holiday visas were higher than in 2019.
Chalmers said, “as the economy recovers from the worst of the pandemic, crippling skills, and labor shortages are holding our businesses and our economy back”.
He said that the government would make sure that the economy has the necessary number of skilled workers.
“Australia’s migration settings need to be sustainable, serve Australia’s national interest, and not be a substitute for training and building the capacity of our domestic workforce.”
The migration program is now being reviewed by the government; results are expected in early 2023. Through the assessment and the future employment white paper, Chalmers committed “to establish a bigger and better-trained workforce in 2023.”
The changes made to Australian migration in recent years have attempted to cut down on fraudulent applications. They have also updated the system in response to the country’s cyclical changes. However, there’s still work to do. And with more changes already set to take effect in the near future, it’s likely that migration systems will continue to be refined and improved over time.
Hopefully, this quick overview of Australian migration has given you a good feel for what to expect as you move forward with your application. There are a number of steps to take, numerous documents to supply, and a large chunk of time to commit. Still, if you’re looking for a fresh start, Australia can give you that opportunity. All you need to do is follow the process outlined above and keep an open mind about all the work ahead. Immigration to Australia will likely lead to a dynamic new life for you and your family.
We’re a team of Australian Migration Specialists who advise daily on visa applications and pathways to residency. Are you unsure of how to proceed? Visit our home page and make sure you book a consultation where we can answer any questions you might have directly relevant to your situation.
Please note that the above information is general and not exhaustive or specific to your case. We always advise that you first speak to a migration agent or lawyer before making any migration-related decision.
