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TRENDS IN NET OVERSEAS MIGRATION: SOUTH AUSTRALIA INTRODUCTION Population change in each state and territory is the combined result of net overseas migration, natural increase (births minus deaths), and net interstate migration (population change through the movement of people from one state or territory to another). All three components of population change contribute, in varying degrees, to the growth, size and structure of the population in each jurisdiction. Net overseas migration (NOM) has emerged as a highly topical, and somewhat contentious, issue in recent years, particularly within the context of the Sustainable Population Strategy for Australia and the recent impact of international students on population counts. Variations in the number and characteristics of people arriving and departing the country impact on policy decisions and future planning at all levels of government, and on issues such as skilled and unskilled labour supply; national income from the educational services provided to international students; housing availability; cultural diversity; and social cohesion. This article presents a brief national view of overseas migration, followed by an analysis for South Australia (SA). It uses the most recent data to examine changing patterns in the characteristics of overseas migrants and their contribution to NOM in SA.
The National View While natural increase has remained relatively stable in recent years, NOM has been far more volatile. The past decade has seen significant fluctuation in immigration estimates due to a number of factors including recent increases in temporary migrants; changing levels of demand for skilled migrants; the relative health of Australia’s economy during the global financial crisis; and improvements in methodology to measure the travel behaviour of temporary migrants more effectively. In recent years, NOM has accounted for over half of the nation’s population growth. Preliminary NOM estimates for 2010 added 171,100 persons to Australia’s population, representing 54% of the nation’s total population growth for the year, with natural increase accounting for the remaining 46%. In 2010, Australia’s total population grew by 317,100 persons or 1.4%. In 2010, NOM contributed the greatest number of people to the most populous states: NSW with a net of 51,100 persons, followed by Victoria (48,000) and Queensland (31,600). The NT received the smallest number with 690 persons. While all states and territories experienced positive NOM in 2010, it was the main component of population growth in SA (76%), NSW (60%), Victoria (57%), and WA (53%). Fig 1. Population components, Proportion of total growth(a), 2010 (b)(c)
Arrivals and Departures At the national level, NOM is traditionally positive, with more arrivals than departures contributing to a net increase in Australia's population each year. Over the five years from 2005 to 2010, NOM in Australia increased by 9% (14,300 persons), with arrivals increasing by 19% (68,500 persons) and departures increasing by 26% (54,200 persons). In 2010, however, NOM declined for the second consecutive year after strong growth for the previous three, with arrivals to Australia dropping by 10% (-46,800 persons) from the previous year and departures increasing by 12% (29,000 persons). The result was an overall decline in NOM of 31%, or 75,800 persons, from the previous year, significantly slowing the five year growth rate. This decline in net overseas migration to Australia is mainly driven by the temporary visa holders who arrived in earlier years and who are now starting to depart the country in larger numbers. While temporary visa holders, and in particular international students, have been a key driver in the growth of NOM in the three years to 2008, their departures are a major impact on the recent sharp decline in NOM. This reflects recent policy changes restricting eligibility for temporary visa entrants who apply for permanent residency whilst onshore (Australian Productivity Commission 2010, Ch 4, p.21). (b) - Australia..gif) Footnote(s): (a)These estimates use the '12-16 month rule' methodology for calculating NOM (b)Estimates for 2010 are preliminary Source(s): Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0); ABS Traveller Characteristics Database, data available on request SOUTH AUSTRALIA Overseas Migration and Population Growth In 2010, net overseas migration remained the main component of population growth in SA despite declining for the second consecutive year in line with the national trend. Preliminary NOM estimates for 2010 added over 11,700 persons to SA’s population, representing 7% of national NOM and 76% of the state’s total population growth (15,500 persons) for the year. Among the states and territories, SA had the largest proportional population growth from NOM in 2010. Accounting for the remainder of SA’s total population growth in 2010 was natural increase, which added 6,900 to the state’s population, and net interstate migration, which removed 3,200 persons. (b), SA, 2005-2010.gif) Footnote(s): (a) These estimates use the '12/16 month rule' methodology for calculating NOM. (b) Estimates for 2010 are preliminary. Source(s): Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0); ABS Traveller Characteristics Database, data available on request Arrivals and Departures Over the five year period 2005 to 2010, SA recorded the third highest growth rate in NOM after the ACT and Victoria, with an increase of 18% (1,800 persons), compared with 9% at the national level. During this period, arrivals to SA increased by 15% (3,000 persons) while departures increased by 12% (1,200 persons). In 2010, there were 3,900 fewer (-15%) overseas arrivals in SA than in the previous year. However, overseas departures continued to increase with 1,500 more (16%) departures than in the previous year. The result was an overall decline in NOM of 32% (-5,400) from 2009, compared with the national decline of 31%. Overseas Migration Flows In 2010, there were 22,900 arrivals to, and 11,200 departures from, SA. Thus, the combined flows of overseas migration (arrivals and departures) was 34,100. .gif) Footnote(s): (a) Estimates for 2010 are preliminary. Source(s): Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0) To assess the effect of these gross overseas migration flows, it is useful to consider them as a proportion of the total population. In SA, overseas migration had a relatively low effect on population turnover, accounting for only 2.1% of the total population in 2010, compared with 3.1% for Australia. Of the jurisdictions, only Tasmania recorded a lower level of population turnover from overseas migration.  from Overseas Migration, States and Territories, 2010(b)(c).gif) Footnote(s): (a) Gross overseas flows as a proportion of a state or territory's total population at 31 December 2010. (b) These estimates use the "12/16 month rule" methodology for calculating NOM. (c) Estimates for 2010 are preliminary. Source(s): Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0).
Major traveller groups , Major Groupings(b), SA, 2004-2009.gif) Footnote(s): (a)These estimates use the ‘12/16 month rule’ methodology for calculating NOM. (b)Does not include onshore and other visa types. The visa category information in this table represents the visa at the time of a traveller’s specific movement. It is the specific movement that has been used to calculate NOM. Source(s): ABS Traveller Characteristics Database, data available on request. Over the five years from 2004 to 2009, there was a 72% net increase in the number of temporary visa holders contributing to NOM in SA, from 5,100 to 8,700 persons. While this was higher than growth at the national level (62%), it was below that recorded in most other jurisdictions except the ACT (67%), NSW (35%) and Tasmania (1%). In 2009, the net figure for SA decreased 11% (-1,100 persons) from the previous year, slowing the five year growth rate in this jurisdiction. The net contribution of permanent visa holders also increased significantly over the five year period, approximately doubling from 3,700 to 7,700 persons. This net increase (109%) in permanent visa holders was much higher than the national increase (23%) and across each of the other states and territories. Over the same period, the net number of New Zealand citizens increased by 40% (over 120 persons) in SA. This was much higher than growth at the national level (14%), but lower than that recorded in most other jurisdictions except Victoria (19%), Queensland (13%) and NSW (-18%). Traditionally, Australian citizens have a net negative input to NOM as more Australians depart each year than return. However, the combined effect of an increase in arrivals and a decrease in departures saw the contribution of Australian citizens to the SA population change, from a net loss of 1,500 persons in 2004, to a net gain of 670 persons in 2009. Major Groupings and Visa Type The following section provides a further breakdown of the major groupings and visa types that contributed to NOM in SA during 2009, the most recent year for which the data are available. MAJOR GROUPINGS AND VISA TYPE (a), % of Total NOM, States & Territories, 2009
Temporary Visas In 2009, temporary visa holders made the largest net contribution to NOM in SA, with 51% of the total NOM figure for the year. This was lower than for Australia as a whole (60%) and for most other jurisdictions except Tasmania (48%). The number of temporary visa holders arriving in SA during 2009 was nearly 13,000 persons, representing 48% of all arrivals, while the number departing was over 4,200, or 44% of all departures. This resulted in over 8,700 additional temporary visa holders contributing to the SA population. Temporary visas issued in Australia fall into several categories, the principal ones being International student; Business long stay (457); Visitor and Working holiday visas. , SA, 2004-2009.gif) Footnote(s): (a)These estimates use the ‘12/16 month rule’ methodology for calculating NOM. Source(s): ABS Traveller Characteristics Database, data available on request. International Students Over the five year period from 2004 to 2009, there was an 86% (3,100 persons) increase in the net number of international students contributing to NOM in SA. This growth in student NOM is mainly attributed to the large disparity between NOM arrivals and NOM departures, which, in part, reflects the time lag effect of a student’s course duration. The disparity could also reflect the number of students who changed their visa and residency status whilst onshore. There was a slight decline (-2%) in student NOM for SA in 2009. Despite this, international students made up the largest group of temporary visa holders contributing to NOM in SA in 2009, adding a net 6,800 to the state’s population, or 39% of the total NOM figure. This was similar to the proportion recorded at the national level (41%) and higher than recorded in other jurisdictions, except Victoria (51%), NSW (45%) and the ACT (44%). Within this group, international students travelling to SA on higher education visas formed the largest component, with a net 3,400 students representing 20% of total NOM in 2009. The vocational educational and training sector represented 14% of total NOM (2,500 students), while all other student visas accounted for 5% (900 students). Business Long Stay Visas Between 2004 and 2009, the net number of temporary business visas (otherwise known as 457 visas) contributing to SA’s population more than doubled (up by 154% or 700 persons). This growth in Business 457 visas most likely reflects Australia's relatively buoyant economy over recent years with low unemployment and recognised labour shortages in specific occupations. Temporary business entrants can stay in Australia up to four years and can also apply for other visas during their stay. They may also obtain permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, a Labour Agreement, or the Skilled Independent visa program. The sharp decline (-27%) in business 457 visa holders for SA in 2009 may, in part, reflect the economic uncertainty faced by employers during the Global Financial Crisis. People entering with business long stay visas in 2009 made a much smaller contribution to NOM in SA than international students. This visa group added over 1,100 persons to SA’s population, accounting for 7% of total NOM figure for the year. While this was similar to representation at the national level (6%), it was lower than that recorded in most other jurisdictions except NSW (2%) and Victoria (4%). Visitor Visas The net number of long-term visitors (staying 12 months or more) contributing to the South Australian population increased over the five years, with 180 (25%) more visitors in 2009 than in 2004. In 2009, this group contributed 880 persons to SA’s population, representing 5% of total NOM for the year. This was lower than representation at the national level (8%) and in each of the other jurisdictions. Of this group, 72% were tourists, 11% were business visitors, 3% were sponsored family visitors, and the remaining 14% were other visitors. Working Holiday Visas Working holiday-makers are permitted to stay for a period of up to 12 months from the date of initial entry. However, many of these visa holders stay more than 12 months and therefore contribute to NOM estimates. This includes people who have undertaken seasonal work in regional Australia and become eligible to apply for a second working holiday visa, as well as those who have applied for, and been granted, a different visa whilst onshore. Between 2004 and 2009, the net number of working holiday-makers contributing to NOM in SA more than doubled (up 153% or 260 persons). This growth in working holiday visa holders may relate to Australia’s relatively strong economic standing during recent global financial events, increasing the appeal for international travellers to visit and work temporarily in SA. In 2009, working holiday-makers added a net 430 persons to the SA population, representing only 3% of total NOM for the year. This was lower than representation at the national level (8%) and in each of the other states and territories except Tasmania (2%). Permanent Visas , SA, 2004-2009.gif) Footnote(s): (a) These estimates use the ‘12/16 month rule’ methodology for calculating NOM. Source(s): ABS Traveller Characteristics Database, data available on request. Family Visas Over the five years to 2009, there was a 47% (500 persons) increase in the net number of family visa holders (granted offshore) contributing to SA’s population. In 2009, this visa group made a smaller contribution (1,600 persons or 9% of total NOM) to the South Australian population than permanent skilled visa holders. This proportion was lower than for Australia as a whole (13%) and for all other jurisdictions except Queensland (also 9%). Skilled Visas For the five years to 2009, the net number of permanent skilled visa holders (granted offshore) contributing to NOM in SA more than tripled (up by 209% or 3,400 persons), reflecting the increased policy focus on skilled migration since the late 1990s as well as the labour shortages associated with Australia’s relatively strong economy. As with business 457 visa holders, however, the economic uncertainty associated with the Global Financial Crisis may have contributed to the slight decline (-1%) in permanent skilled visa holders in SA during 2009. Despite this, people entering with skilled visas made up the largest group of permanent visa holders contributing to NOM in SA in 2009, providing a net gain of 5,100 persons, or 29% of total NOM, for the year. This proportion was much higher than for Australia as a whole (15%) and higher than in each of the other jurisdictions. Special Eligibility and Humanitarian Visas Special eligibility visas relate mainly to former citizens and residents requiring special visas to enter the country. This visa category contains very small numbers and has therefore been combined with the Humanitarian visa category, managed by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The offshore resettlement component of the Humanitarian Program has two categories: refugees and a special humanitarian program. Between 2004 and 2009, the net number of special eligibility and humanitarian visa holders (granted offshore) contributing to NOM in SA increased by 9%, or 90 persons. This group made a net contribution of 1,100 persons to the state’s population in 2009, or 6% of total NOM for the year, which was consistent with representation at the national level (5%) and in most other states and territories. Only Tasmania recorded a significantly higher proportion in this group of visa holders (14%). New Zealand Citizens In comparison with temporary and permanent visa entrants, New Zealand citizens made a relatively small contribution to total NOM for SA in 2009, representing just 2% of total NOM. This was lower than their proportional representation at the national level (8%) and in each of the other jurisdictions. With 760 New Zealand citizens arriving in SA in 2009 (3% of all arrivals), and 330 departing (3% of all departures), this group contributed 430 persons to the state’s population. Australian Citizens Document Selection These documents will be presented in a new window.
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1367.0 - State and Territory Statistical Indicators, 2011
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 14/12/2011
This page last updated 27 January 2012