Migration Drops 10 Percent in 2023-24: Australia’s First Decline Since Border Reopening

Experts attribute the drop to stricter visa regulations, caps on certain categories, and delays in visa processing.

International students carry groceries from a foodbank in Melbourne, Australia, on Aug. 13, 2021. William West/AFP via Getty Images

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a significant decline in migrant arrivals during 2023-24, dropping to 667,000 from 739,000 the previous year—a 10 percent annual decrease.

This marks the first dip since the reopening of international borders, following a 73 percent increase in arrivals in 2022-23.