Net overseas migration to Australia has surged to between 1,000 and 1,100 people per day under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese [1, 2].
The increase puts pressure on national infrastructure and housing markets as the country absorbs a higher volume of new residents than in previous administrations.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the 2024-2025 financial year indicates a significant rise in the intake of overseas migrants [1, 2]. Peta Credlin of Sky News Australia said the latest ABS data shows that under Labor, net overseas migration has added just over 1,000 people per day [1]. Other reports place the figure closer to nearly 1,100 people per day [2].
Government officials said the growth is due to policy changes and visa reforms implemented by the Albanese government to address labor needs and economic growth [1, 2]. These reforms have expanded the criteria for entry and streamlined processing for various visa categories.
Forecasts suggest the trend will continue into the coming years. Projections indicate an additional 35,000 net overseas migrants for the 2025-2026 period [3]. For the 2026-2027 period, an additional 20,000 people are forecast to enter the country [3].
The scale of the current migration surge represents a departure from previous intake levels. The government continues to balance the need for skilled labor with the capacity of urban centers to provide housing, and essential services for the growing population.
“Net overseas migration has added just over 1,000 people per day.”
The surge in migration reflects a strategic shift by the Albanese government to utilize visa reform as a tool for economic expansion. However, the discrepancy between migration targets and actual numbers—highlighted by the forecasted overshoots for 2026 and 2027—suggests a potential gap between policy intent and operational control over border intake.
