Net overseas migration: why is it so high?

Between 2004–05 and 2007–08 net overseas migration (NOM) increased dramatically. In 2006 the ABS introduced a new methodology to measure NOM. This article shows that the effect of this new methodology on NOM estimates was minor. Most of the growth was real and was mainly attributable to increases in the temporary entry visa categories, especially overseas students. The article also shows that the net loss of citizens and permanent residents—the alleged brain drain—is much smaller than previously assumed. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s