World Immigration News

A mixed bag: views on immigration in Australia

Release Date: 2025-02-07
Media: Devpolicy Blog
Summary: A survey on migration in Australia revealed several key findings:

Views on Migration Numbers: Most Australians believe the current level of migration is too high, but they are more favorable towards specific types of migrants, especially skilled migrants.

Misperceptions and Actual Data: Participants overestimated the number of migrants, with an average estimate of over 350,000 net migrants over the past decade, compared to the actual number of around 229,000. They also underestimated the proportion of temporary migrants (78%) and high-skilled migrants.

Regional and Political Differences: People in rural areas and those on the political right tended to overestimate migration numbers, and rural residents were more likely to overestimate the share of Pacific migrants.

Pacific Migration Misconception: Respondents overestimated the share of migrants from the Pacific, thinking it was nearly 10%, while it is actually just over 2%.

In the final blog, the paper will explore whether providing accurate information can change people's views on migration.
Tags: AUSTRALIA

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