The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) yesterday released visitor arrivals and departures data for the month of October, which revealed increases in both net long-term and permanent migration into Australia .
In the year to October 2013, there were 679,730 permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia – down slightly from the record 680,200 arrivals set in August – partly offset by 371,690 permanent and long-term departures from Australia (see next chart).
There were 308,040 net permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia in the year to October 2013, representing a 54% increase from the January 2011 trough and more than double the long-run average (see next chart).
However, while overall net long-term arrivals are booming, it is a different story for permanent migration. In the year to October 2013, permanent arrivals fell by 4% to 152,530, whereas permanent departures rose 4% to 92,370 – just off record highs (see next chart).
That said, net permanent arrivals into Australia rose for the first time in fourteen months, but are still tracking 8% below the long-run average (see next chart).
As noted previously, a superficial look at the the ABS data suggests that much of the recent immigration into Australia has been temporary in nature. However, according to the Department of Immigration, around 30% of workers on temporary 457 visas end up becoming permanent residents, suggesting that actual permanent immigration remains at relatively high levels.
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