New figures show that net migration is on the rise in New Zealand once again.
The latest data released by Stats NZ reveals that the country recorded a net gain of 54,623 migrants in the 12 months to September. This was up 10.3 per cent on the 12 months to September last year.
Long-term migrant arrivals and departures both increased during the 12-month period; but arrivals grew at a faster rate, pushing up the net gain.
There were 149,968 migrant arrivals (+5.8 per cent) and 95,345 migrant departures (+3.5 per cent).
New Zealand currently has one of the highest net migration rates in the world. According to the Stats NZ figures, the country’s net migration rate is currently about 11.4 per 1,000 people – more than triple the recent immigration rates in the UK and US.
South Africa is now New Zealand’s biggest source of net migration, with a net gain of 10,024 South African citizens in the year to September, up from 5,973 in the previous 12 months.
China is NZ’s second-largest source country (9.331), followed by India (8,169) and the Philippines (7,207).
Of the 149,968 long term arrivals in the year to September, 44,160 were New Zealand and Australian citizens (who do not require visas), 33,295 were on work visas, 31,361 were on visitor visas, 27,242 were on student visas and 12,822 were on residence visas.
Article published 13th November