India becomes Australia's largest source of migrants
New Delhi: Figures released by Australia show that for the first time, India is Australia’s largest source of permanent migrants. Indian migrants comprised a total of 29,018 places or
15.7 per cent of the total migration programme of 185,000 places under the 2011-12
permanent migration programme, according to High Commissioner Peter Varghese. India has
surpassed China and the United Kingdom as the largest source of permanent migrants with
25,509 and 25,274 places, respectively. Commenting on the figures, the Australian Minister
for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, said that “the Indian community
has made a valuable contribution to the economic, social and cultural life in Australia, and I
know this will continue with more Indians choosing to make their home
here.” Seven of the top 10 source countries in Australia's 2011-12 migration
program are from Asia: India, China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Republic of
Korea and Vietnam. The family stream had a final outcome of 58,604 places, representing
31.7 per cent of the total migration program. “The family stream is an essential component of
our migration program, as it allows Australians to unite with their loved ones, particularly with
their partners and children,” Bowen said. “I am pleased that the Government will help even
more families to reunite under this program next year, as I increased family places
from 58,600 to 60,185 in this year’s Budget.” Skilled migration accounted for
over two-thirds of Australia’s total migration program, with a 2011-12 skill
stream outcome of 125,755 places. The 2011-12 Migration Program report can be
found at: www.immi.gov.au/media/statistics/statistical-info/visa-grants/
