The mass exodus of Kiwis to Australia will continue

Tuesday 10 February 2026

Australia is currently receiving a large inflow of New Zealanders.

New Zealand citizens are permitted to migrate to Australia using the Special Category visa (subclass 444), which allows them to live, work, and study there without needing to apply for a visa before arrival.

New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport are automatically granted a Special Category visa upon entering Australia.

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About the author

Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.