ABS Faces Backlash Over Migration Data Controversy

Understanding Migration Data in Australia

If you’re looking to move to Australia or New Zealand, getting a grasp of the migration statistics can be really helpful. These figures provide insight into the trends affecting visa sponsorship and job opportunities. Let’s break it down in a simple and friendly way.

Key Migration Data Sets

There are two important data sets published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) that everyone, from analysts to the government, relies on.

Net Overseas Migration (NOM): This data shows how many people are coming to and leaving Australia and is published quarterly, with a delay of about six to nine months. For example, the latest numbers cover up until late 2024, and the next update won’t be available until September of this year.
Monthly Net Permanent and Long-Term Arrivals: This data is released more frequently and offers a sneak peek into migration trends. It tracks the number of people who enter Australia and suggests whether NOM is on the rise or fall.

This monthly data can often hint at upcoming changes in the migration landscape, despite being a bit different from NOM.

Recent Trends in Migration

In the first half of 2025, there was a notable spike in the number of permanent and long-term arrivals. This suggests that NOM might be increasing again. Many media outlets have picked up on this trend, which could indicate more job opportunities for migrants.

Additionally, reports indicate that rental vacancy rates have tightened. This can mean that more people moving to Australia might be looking for places to live, again pointing to a rising demand tied to immigration.

A Bit of Controversy

Interestingly, there’s been some pushback regarding how this data is interpreted. The ABS asked some media outlets not to use the monthly net arrivals as a direct measure of migration. They argued that this data reflects travel intentions rather than solid residency changes.

For example, someone living in Australia on a temporary visa who takes trips abroad might count as a long-term visitor upon return, even if they’ve been living in Australia all along. This means the figures can be misleading when considering true migration numbers.

Yet, the Centre for Population, part of the Australian Treasury, acknowledges that these numbers can serve as early indicators of future migration flows. There’s a bit of a contradiction here—if this data is okay for one department but not for others, it doesn’t encourage transparency.

Current Situation with Temporary Visas

As of now, Australia has a record 2.46 million temporary visa holders. This is an increase of 750,000 since the current government took office. It includes many individuals on bridging visas, which are usually granted while their immigration status is being resolved.

Experts suggest the number of people on these visas could signal the overall health of the migration system. For those on the path to permanent residency, it’s important to be aware of these trends as they can impact job availability and support for visa applications.

The Bigger Picture

There’s a growing concern among some experts about the rising number of rejected asylum seekers and its implications for Australia’s migration system. This situation parallels challenges seen in North America and Europe, generating discussions about how Australia’s approach might need to adapt in the future.

Overall, while the statistics can seem complex and sometimes politically charged, they play a crucial role in understanding the landscape for international job seekers. Staying informed can help you position yourself better for job opportunities or visa applications.

What do you think?

Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Australia or New Zealand? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

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