Net Migration Loss of 30,000 New Zealanders to Australia in One Year

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

• Net migration loss of 30,000 New Zealanders to Australia in 2024 is the highest in over ten years.
• New Zealanders enter Australia visa-free under Special Category Visa (subclass 444) but lack permanent residency rights.
• Australia offers 185,000 permanent migration places in 2024-25, prioritizing skilled workers with new visa pathways.

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders decide whether to stay in New Zealand or move to Australia. As of the end of 2024, the net migration loss of about 30,000 New Zealanders to Australia marks the highest outflow in over ten years. This trend has important effects for both countries, especially for people thinking about where to live, work, and build a future. To help you make sense of these choices, let’s compare the main options, look at the requirements, timelines, and costs, and weigh the pros and cons for different situations. We’ll also offer practical advice to help you decide what’s best for your circumstances.

Introduction to the Choices: New Zealand vs. Australia

Net Migration Loss of 30,000 New Zealanders to Australia in One Year

New Zealand and Australia have a long history of close ties. Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, citizens of both countries can move freely between them. This special agreement means New Zealanders can live, work, and study in Australia without needing a traditional visa. However, recent changes in both countries’ immigration policies, as well as economic and social factors, are shaping new migration patterns.

The main options for New Zealanders are:

Staying in New Zealand and taking advantage of new immigration policies aimed at making the country more attractive to skilled and lower-skilled workers.
Moving to Australia to seek better job opportunities, higher wages, and a different lifestyle, often with the goal of gaining permanent residency or citizenship.

Let’s break down these options side by side, focusing on what matters most for people making this important decision.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

1. Moving from New Zealand to Australia

Requirements:

Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement: New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Australia. When they arrive, they are usually granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444), which allows them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
No upfront application process: There is no need to fill out a visa application or pay a visa fee before traveling.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid New Zealand passport and meet health and character requirements. If you have a criminal record or certain health issues, you may be refused entry.

Timelines:

Immediate entry: You can travel to Australia and start living and working there right away.
Pathway to permanent residency: While the Special Category Visa lets you stay in Australia, it does not give you permanent residency or citizenship rights. However, Australia has introduced new pathways for New Zealanders to apply for permanent residency after living and working there for a set period, usually four years.

Costs:

Travel costs: You’ll need to pay for your flight and any moving expenses.
No visa fee for initial entry: The Special Category Visa is granted on arrival at no cost.
Permanent residency application fees: If you later apply for permanent residency, there are government fees. For example, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for New Zealanders has a main applicant fee of several thousand Australian dollars. You can find details on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

2. Staying in New Zealand

Requirements:

No change for citizens: New Zealanders can live and work in their home country without any immigration process.
New immigration policies (2025): The government is removing wage thresholds for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) roles and lowering experience requirements for some jobs. These changes aim to attract and keep both skilled and lower-skilled workers.

Timelines:

No waiting period: Citizens face no delays in working or studying.
For migrants: The new policies may speed up the process for migrants coming to New Zealand, but these changes do not directly affect New Zealand citizens.

Costs:

No immigration costs for citizens: There are no fees for New Zealanders to live or work in their own country.
For employers: Hiring migrants may become less expensive as wage thresholds are removed.

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

A. For Job Seekers

Moving to Australia:

Pros:
– Higher wages: Many jobs in Australia pay more than similar roles in New Zealand.
– Larger job market: Australia has a bigger economy and more job opportunities, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
– Skilled migration focus: Australia’s 2024-2025 Migration Program targets 185,000 permanent places, with 70% for skilled migrants. This means more chances for qualified workers.

Cons:
– Uncertain long-term status: The Special Category Visa does not give you the same rights as permanent residents, such as access to some social benefits.
– Permanent residency process: You may need to meet extra requirements and pay fees to become a permanent resident or citizen.
– Cost of living: Some Australian cities have high housing and living costs.

Staying in New Zealand:

Pros:
– Familiar environment: You keep your support network, family, and friends.
– No immigration hurdles: As a citizen, you face no paperwork or fees.
– New policies may help: The government is making it easier for employers to hire workers, which could mean more job openings.

Cons:
– Lower wages: Many jobs pay less than in Australia.
– Smaller job market: There may be fewer opportunities, especially in specialized fields.
– Net migration loss: With many people leaving, some industries may face shortages or instability.

B. For Families

Moving to Australia:

Pros:
– Access to Australian schools: Children can attend public schools.
– Family reunification: Many New Zealanders move to join family already in Australia.
– Lifestyle: Australia offers a range of climates and cities to suit different preferences.

Cons:
– Limited social benefits: Some government payments and services are not available to New Zealanders on the Special Category Visa.
– Healthcare: You may need private health insurance, as full access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system) is limited until you become a permanent resident.

Staying in New Zealand:

Pros:
– Full access to services: Citizens have full rights to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
– Stable environment: You avoid the stress of moving and adjusting to a new country.

Cons:
– Fewer family reunification options: If your family is in Australia, staying in New Zealand may mean being apart.

C. For Students and Young People

Moving to Australia:

Pros:
– Study options: You can enroll in Australian schools and universities.
– Work while studying: The Special Category Visa allows you to work part-time while studying.

Cons:
– Higher tuition fees: As a New Zealander, you may not qualify for domestic student rates or government loans in Australia.
– No automatic access to student support: Some scholarships and financial aid are only for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Staying in New Zealand:

Pros:
– Lower education costs: Citizens pay domestic tuition rates and can access student loans and allowances.
– Familiar system: You know how the education system works.

Cons:
– Limited study options: New Zealand has fewer universities and specialized courses than Australia.

D. For Retirees

Moving to Australia:

Pros:
– Join family: Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren.
– Warmer climate: Many parts of Australia have milder winters.

Cons:
– Limited pension access: New Zealanders may not get the Australian Age Pension unless they become permanent residents and meet residency requirements.
– Healthcare: Access to Medicare is limited for non-permanent residents.

Staying in New Zealand:

Pros:
– Full pension rights: Citizens receive the New Zealand Superannuation.
– Healthcare: Full access to public health services.

Cons:
– Weather: Some may prefer Australia’s climate.

Key Policy Changes and Their Impact

New Zealand’s Immigration Changes (2025):

Removing wage thresholds: Employers can hire workers for more roles without meeting a minimum pay level.
Lowering experience requirements: It’s easier for people with less work experience to get jobs.
Goal: Attract and keep more workers, but these changes have not stopped the net migration loss to Australia.

Australia’s Migration Reforms (2024-2025):

Permanent Migration Program: 185,000 places, with a focus on skilled workers.
New visa pathways: The Skills in Demand visa (starting December 2024) and easier rules for Temporary Skill Shortage visas.
Goal: Fill job shortages and attract talent, making Australia more appealing for New Zealanders.

Why Are So Many New Zealanders Moving to Australia?

Economic opportunities: Higher wages and more jobs draw people across the Tasman Sea.
Family ties: Many have relatives in Australia.
Lifestyle: Some prefer Australia’s cities, weather, or cultural offerings.
Policy changes: Australia’s new migration rules make it easier for skilled workers to settle.

What Does the Net Migration Loss Mean for New Zealand?

Labor shortages: Losing 30,000 people in a year, especially working-age adults, can leave gaps in the workforce.
Population growth: Fewer people can slow economic growth and put pressure on public services.
Policy response: New Zealand is trying to make the country more attractive, but the strong pull of Australia remains.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

If you’re a skilled worker: Australia’s focus on skilled migration and higher wages may offer better opportunities, especially if you plan to seek permanent residency.
If you value social benefits and stability: Staying in New Zealand means full access to healthcare, education, and pensions.
If you want to join family in Australia: The move is straightforward, but check what benefits you’ll be eligible for.
If you’re a student: Compare tuition fees, student support, and course options in both countries.
If you’re close to retirement: Consider pension and healthcare access before moving.

Decision-Making Framework

To help you decide, ask yourself:

What are my main reasons for moving or staying? (Work, family, lifestyle, education, retirement)
What are my job prospects in each country?
What social benefits and services will I have access to?
How will the move affect my family?
What are the long-term residency or citizenship options?
Can I afford the costs of moving and living in Australia?
How do the new immigration policies affect my situation?

Actionable Takeaways

Check official sources: For the latest migration data, visit Statistics New Zealand.
Review Australian visa rules: See the Australian Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date information on visas and permanent residency.
Plan for the future: Think about your long-term goals, not just immediate needs.
Talk to others: If possible, speak with New Zealanders who have moved to Australia to learn from their experiences.

Conclusion

The net migration loss of 30,000 New Zealanders to Australia in 2024 shows a strong trend that is likely to continue. Australia’s growing skilled migration program and economic opportunities are powerful draws, while New Zealand’s new policies may help but are not enough to fully reverse the flow. Each person’s situation is unique, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, both countries are watching these trends closely and may adjust their policies in the future. For now, New Zealanders have clear options, but the best choice depends on your personal goals, family needs, and career plans. Take time to review the requirements, costs, and benefits before making your decision.

For more details on migration policies and updates, always refer to official government sources to ensure you have the most accurate and current information.

Learn Today

Net Migration Loss → The number of people leaving a country minus those entering, showing overall population change due to migration.
Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) → A visa granted on arrival to New Zealanders allowing indefinite stay, work, and study in Australia.
Permanent Residency → Legal status granting full rights to live, work, and access benefits in a country permanently.
Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement → An agreement allowing free movement of citizens between New Zealand and Australia without prior visas.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) → An Australian visa for skilled workers from New Zealand seeking permanent residency involving fees and criteria.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2024, 30,000 New Zealanders moved to Australia, the largest outflow in a decade. Australia offers higher wages and skilled visas, but residents lack full benefits. New Zealand reforms aim to retain workers, yet the migration trend persists. Decisions depend on jobs, lifestyle, family, and long-term goals for each individual.
— By VisaVerge.com