Why Australia may get 600,000 permanent migrants next year

Australia’s permanent migration intake could go as high as 600,000 in the next financial year as result of recent changes by the Albanese government.

The government has yet to unveil its permanent migration cap for 2023-24. Picture : NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Australia’s permanent migration intake could go as high as 600,000 in the next financial year as result of recent changes by the Albanese government.

Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that 380,000 New Zealanders who have been in Australia for more than four years will be able to obtain citizenship.

Government sources have told The Sunday Telegraph that the Kiwis who would become eligible to be naturalised from July would be in addition to the permanent migrant intake next year.

Australia’s permanent migration intake could go as high as 600,000.

In February, the government also announced 18,000 people in Australia who arrived here by boat who had been in limbo on temporary protection and safe haven visas would also become eligible for permanent residency. Sources have flagged these people are unlikely to count towards the permanent migration cap, nor would another 3000 deemed successful in the Pacific Engagement Visa lottery next year.

The government has yet to unveil the permanent migration cap for 2023-24, but it is likely to be similar to the 195,000 permanent visas offered this financial year.