Updated: 9 May 2022
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as at 30 June 2015, 28.2% of Australia’s estimated resident population was born overseas. That’s 6.7 million immigrants.
That’s a massive number. And it tells us that immigration is really important to Australia’s culture and demographic.
Additionally, almost half of all Australians were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was. That means that virtually all current Australians have at least one foreign ancestor.
These statistics also raise a number of questions: what are Australia’s migration trends, how can you capitalise on them, and what benefits does migration offer Australia?
AUSTRALIA’S MIGRATION TRENDS
The most current data relating to migration trends is from 2014 – 2015. As at 30 June 2015, the ABS states that the top 10 countries of birth for Australian residents were:
- United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man
- New Zealand
- China
- India
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Italy
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Germany
1.2 million Australian residents were born in the United Kingdom, Chanel Islands and Isle of Man, making up 5.1% of the Australian population.
HOW DOES MIGRATION AFFECT YOU?
Australia’s migration program offers great opportunities, particularly for Australian businesses looking to find the right talent and recruit the right people.
Businesses who employ migrants are in a better position to be globally competitive and relevant. Migrants contribute diverse perspectives, cultures and ways of thinking which are important for innovation, creation and production. It also means that ideas and solutions are likely to be generated in new and exciting ways that perhaps wouldn’t be thought of with a solely local workforce.
However, migrants don’t just act as a talent pool, they’re also potential customers and clients. For this reason, it’s crucial that businesses capitalise on the potential of migrants, both as prospective employees and prospective customers.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MIGRATION?
Migration offers a number of benefits to the Australian community and economy. These benefits include:
- Overseas workers fill skills gaps or shortages, and offer talent to Australian businesses.
- Migrants are mainly young and at prime working age, benefitting the Australian economy (about 88% of migrants are aged under 40 years, and almost half are aged 20-34).
- The labour participation rate of migrants was 77% in November 2013. This is above the national average rate of 65%. This means that migrants are very likely to be employed and contributing.
- Through their employment, migrants boost productivity and population. Australia’s population will decline without migrants, which isn’t a good thing. A rising population means that Australia can be bigger, more competitive and more productive, which leads to greater economies of scale and economic power.
- Migrants offer cultural diversity, and enrich Australia’s social fabric.
HOW DOES POCKETLEGAL FIT INTO THIS?
We don’t want to blow our own horn, but anybody who’s anybody knows that PocketLegal are experts when it comes to all things migration. Consider horn blown. Whether you’re an individual who’s thinking about coming to Australia and you need help with visas or sponsorship, or you’re a business looking overseas for your next superstar, we’re you’re go-to team. Get in touch today.
