Net overseas migration

Net overseas migration (NOM) refers to the difference between the number of people arriving in Australia with the intention to stay for 12 months or more, and the number of people departing Australia with the intention to stay abroad for 12 months or more. Recently, Australia's NOM has fallen to its lowest level since 2022, a development that has drawn attention from both the government and the opposition. Despite this decrease, the Coalition argues that the current levels are still too high. The government, through Minister Tony Burke, is signaling a tightening of immigration policies, particularly concerning foreign students' ability to bring family members to Australia. This focus on managing the migration program, including who arrives, who stays, and who leaves, highlights the ongoing significance of NOM in shaping Australia's population growth and policy landscape. The debate underscores the complex balance between attracting talent and managing population pressures.