The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released visitor arrivals and departures data for the month of May, which again revealed surging net temporary migration into Australia, but falling net permanent migration.
In the year to May 2013, there were 675,180 permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia, partly offset by 369,770 permanent and long-term departures from Australia (see next chart).
There were 305,410 net permanent and long-term arrivals into Australia in the year to May 2013, representing a 53% increase from the January 2011 trough and more than double the long-run average (see next chart).
However, while overall net long-term arrivals are booming, it is a different story for permanent migration. In the year to May 2013, permanent arrivals fell by 3% to 152,290, whereas permanent departures rose 4% to their highest ever level of 91,170 (see next chart).
In fact, net permanent arrivals into Australia fell for the ninth consecutive month and are now tracking -8% below the long-run average (see next chart).
Clearly, much of the recent immigration into Australia has been temporary. That said, according to the Department of Immigration, around 30% of workers on 457 visas end up becoming permanent residents, suggesting actual permanent migration remains at relatively high levels.
