Zhu Min and Zhu Qiong, Chinese immigrants, and June Zhu, daughter Olivia Olivia. (Photo of Daily Telegraph)
New statistics show that while the UK remains Australia`s largest source of immigrants, China will soon be top of the list in the light of current trends.
According to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), nearly a third of the Australian population is now born overseas, with 7.5 million people.
The traditional largest immigrant group comes from Britain. As of June 30,2019, they accounted for nearly 4 percent of Australia`s total, about 965,000 people. And between 2012 and 2016, the number of British immigrants remained slightly above 1 million.
While British-born communities are shrinking, the number of immigrants from China has been rising since 2002, reaching about 677,000.
India was the immediate source of the migrants. Some 660,000 Indian immigrants live in Australia. New Zealand and the Philippines followed, with 570,000 and 294,000 migrants, respectively.
Of the overseas-born Australian residents, Sri Lanka ranks 10th with 140,000.
In addition, Australia received a net migration of 239,600 last year, slightly more than in 2017-18.
The new state still has the highest number of immigrants in the country, with a total of 86200. But immigration in the state is down 800 from the year before.
Temporary visa holders accounted for nearly a third of last year`s immigration receipts, up to 346,000. Among them, the largest group of temporary migrants is international students, with a total of 173,000 students holding student visas. There are also 50300 holiday workers and 31800 temporary skilled migrants.
Chinese students in Australia. (Photo of Daily Telegraph)
Australia`s diversity and education system is favored by immigrants from China and India, says social mouth statistician Mark McCrindle.
Australia is now known as a destination for studying abroad. Moreover, many immigrants come here not only for education but also for a future in Australia. "He said.
The Matt family loves Australia. (Photo of Daily Telegraph)
Civil engineer Matt (Rani Mate) is one of the immigrants born in India. Matt, who has a son, said she and her husband applied for permanent residence after four years in Australia.
"Australia is a wonderful country and we love it. There is a large Indian community and people are helpful. "Her son, Ram, was four years old and came to Australia when he was nine months old. He likes to go to preschool (Preschool) and parks. "
