The Asia region is becoming a leading source for permanent migration to Australia according to Australia's Migration Trends, a new report released today by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Brendan O'Connor.
The report contains comprehensive analysis and commentary on migration activity for 2011-12, and provides a clear picture of substantial changes in the origins of Australia's migrants, reflecting the trend towards an Asian Century.
For the first time, India and China were the two main source countries of permanent migrants.
O'Connor said seven of the top 10 source countries in 2011-12 were located in the Asia region.
Between 1996 and 2011, Australia's overseas-born population grew by more than 40 per cent to reach six million.
"This is more than double the rate for the Australian-born population and is essential in addressing the demographic challenges of an ageing population," he said adding that patterns of migration are also changing.
In 2011-12, half of Australia's skilled migrants applied while they were already living in Australia on a temporary visa.
"This is more than twice the rate of a decade earlier and reflects a growing trend of migrants seeing what Australia has to offer before making a commitment to settle permanently,' O'Connor said.
'There is also clear evidence of Australia's commitment to international refugee protection. By granting more than 13 700 humanitarian visas in 2011-12, Australia continued to earn its place as one of the top three resettlement countries in the world, along with Canada and the United States."
