Australia's net overseas migration falls to four-year low of 292,100
Net overseas migration fell to 292,100 in the year to March, the lowest level since 2022.
Australia's population growth is slowing sharply as overseas arrivals drop. Net migration hit 292,100 in the year to March, down from 301,000 the year before and marking a four-year low.
Population growth slowed to 1.43 per cent, down from 1.46 per cent. Western Australia led growth at 2.1 per cent, with Queensland at 1.6 per cent, but NSW grew just 1.1 per cent despite taking the most overseas arrivals.
Victoria grew 1.6 per cent. Overseas arrivals make up 74.4 per cent of Australia's total population growth.
The slowdown comes before the Federal Government delayed temporary visa processing, signalling deeper cuts ahead.
- 292,100
- Net overseas migration
- March 2026
- Year ended
- 74.4%
- Proportion of population growth
- 84,573
- NSW net overseas arrivals
Why it mattersAustralia's economy and workforce depend on migration; slower arrivals mean less pressure on housing but fewer workers for skills gaps and slower economic growth.
AustraliaSlower population growth will ease pressure on housing and services but may tighten labour markets and slow economic expansion across states.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
