The pace of immigration in New Zealand has slowed as a record number of citizens leave for better job opportunities and pay abroad, Bloomberg reported.
Annual net immigration declined to 73,270 in June from a revised 83,740 in the 12 months through May, according to a report from Statistics New Zealand.
Records show immigration saw its lowest level in February 2023, while the peak of 136,000 was recorded in October last year.
The level of arrivals in the country remains historically high, Bloomberg said, but the declining trend shows that the demand for accommodation and other services are not as high as was previously assumed.
Statistics New Zealand’s report shows that the focus “has swung to the rising level of departures,” reflecting a rather flat domestic economy, where hiring and job prospects are not promising.
The report, released Tuesday, says a record net 55,270 New Zealanders left the country in the 12 months through June, consisting of 80,170 departures offset by 24,900 arrivals.
Statistics NZ said 38% of the departing citizens were between 18 and 30 years old, with half of the figure going to Australia.
As more Kiwis leave the country, the net number of foreign arrivals is also slowing, the report shows, dropping from October 2023’s peak of nearly 180,000 to 128,500 this June.
In terms of June 2024 migrant arrivals, Indian citizens comprised the largest group, having 43,200 arrivals.
The next largest groups are from the following:
Meanwhile, the largest group of migrant departures for June was from New Zealand, recording 80,200 departures. This is followed by the following:
Net migration gains in June 2024 were driven by citizens of India, the Philippines, China, and Fiji, Statistics NZ said.
