Synopsis
A survey reveals that a majority of Australians believe migration is excessive but oppose reducing international student intake. Conducted by ANU, the research shows changing attitudes towards immigration based on new information. Migration concerns are expected to be significant in the upcoming general election.Key Takeaways
- 52.9% of Australians view immigration as too high.
- 57.6% oppose cutting international student numbers.
- Migration is a key issue ahead of the May election.
- Public opinion shifts with new information.
- India is the top country of birth for migrants.
Canberra, Feb 5 (NationPress) A significant percentage of Australians believe that the nation's immigration levels are excessive; however, they are against reducing the number of international students, according to a recent survey.
The research, conducted by the Australian National University (ANU) and involving over 5,000 participants, revealed that 52.9 percent of Australians feel that the current immigration rate is too high.
In contrast, slightly more than one-third of those surveyed stated that the present migrant levels are 'just right,' while 4.5 percent expressed a desire for an increased intake, leaving 7.7 percent undecided.
The same survey indicated that a notable 57.6 percent of respondents believe there should either be no reduction or an enhancement in the influx of international students to Australia.
Migration is poised to become a pivotal topic in Australia's upcoming general election, which is due by May.
Additionally, the ANU survey discovered that public perceptions of immigration shifted when presented with new information, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Participants who were informed about the positive aspects of migration addressing Australia’s housing challenges were 4.5 percent more inclined to endorse immigration overall, according to Leng.
Conversely, those exposed to negative viewpoints linking high migration with increased housing costs were more likely to assert that immigration levels are too high.
The period of 2022-23 saw overseas migration to Australia reach an unprecedented peak, attributed to a rise in temporary visa holders entering the nation.
Out of the migrants arriving in 2022-23, 554,000 or 75 percent were on temporary visas, which included 283,000 international students.
India emerged as the leading country of origin for migrants in 2022-23, contributing 14.3 percent of the total, followed by China, the Philippines, Australia, and the UK.
The median age of incoming migrants was 27 years, whereas the median age for those departing was 33 years.
