India continues to be the largest source of migrant arrivals to Australia, but new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that net overseas migration to Australia slowed significantly in the 2024-25 financial year.
According to the latest figures released today, Australia recorded a net overseas migration gain of 306,000 people in the year ending 30 June 2025. This is down from a net gain of 429,000 the previous year, and well below the record high of 538,000 in 2022-23.
India leads migrant arrivals, but numbers decline from recent peak
India topped the list of countries of birth for migrant arrivals in 2024-25, followed by China, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. However, while India remains the largest contributor of new arrivals, the number of Indian-born migrants entering Australia decreased compared to the previous year.
Analysis of migration trends over the past decade reveals that Indian-born migrant arrivals steadily increased before the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking at 111,000 arrivals in the year ending September 2023. Since then, arrivals have declined to approximately 76,000 annually, a level below the pre-pandemic period, but have remained stable over the past four quarters.
This decline contrasts with the recovery seen in arrivals from countries like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, which experienced increases in 2024-25 and have surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Overall migration trends and context
Net overseas migration—the difference between arrivals and departures—remains a vital driver of Australia’s population growth, despite the recent slowdown.
Historically, Australia has attracted more migrants than it has lost, except during the border closures and travel restrictions of 2020 and 2021 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the reopening of borders in February 2022, migration surged to a peak net gain of 556,000 people in the year ending September 2023.
However, the 2024-25 financial year marks the seventh consecutive quarter of declining net overseas migration. The slowdown is largely attributed to fewer arrivals, especially temporary visa holders, and increased departures.
Other notable migration patterns
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China remains a major source country but has seen a decline in migrant arrivals since peaking before the pandemic in 2017 and again in mid-2023.
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The United Kingdom recorded 40,000 arrivals in 2024-25, a 26% increase over the five-year pre-pandemic average, boosted by a near doubling of temporary working holiday visas.
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New Zealand arrivals also rose significantly, with 35,000 people arriving in 2024-25—56% higher than the pre-pandemic average.
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There was a net loss of 17,000 Australian-born residents during the year, continuing a long-term trend that was briefly reversed by the pandemic.
Implications for policy and economy
India’s sustained position as the leading source of migrant arrivals reflects strong educational, professional, and family migration ties with Australia. Despite the recent dip in arrivals, the Indian community continues to play a vital role in supporting Australia’s labour market, innovation sectors, and cultural diversity.
The recent slowdown in overall net migration may impact Australia’s population growth and economic recovery, particularly in regions heavily reliant on international migrants.
The ABS migration report offers detailed insights by visa category, age, sex, and location, helping policymakers and businesses plan for ongoing demographic changes.
For more information and full migration statistics, click here.
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