The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) yesterday released visitor arrivals and departures data for the month of November, which revealed increases in both net long-term and permanent migration into Australia.
In the year to November 2013, there were 678,630 permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia – down slightly from the record 680,200 arrivals set in August – partly offset by 369,490 permanent and long-term departures from Australia (see next chart).
There were 309,140 net permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia in the year to November 2013 – the highest level since November 2009 and representing a 55% 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 November 2013, permanent arrivals fell by 3% to 152,350, whereas permanent departures rose 3% to 91,940 – just off record highs (see next chart).
That said, net permanent arrivals into Australia rose for the second straight month, which followed 13 consecutive months of decline, but are still tracking 7% below the long-run average (see next chart).
As noted each month, 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.
