Overseas migration to South Australia increasing

Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that migration is increasing to South Australia.

During the 12 months ending 31 March 2007, the Australian state recorded a net overseas migration gain of 12,600 people. During the first quarter of 2007, net migration to South Australia was 4,800 -- the largest quarterly gain recorded by the government in 25 years.

ABS noted that for every quarter since 1986, with the exception of June 1993 and June 1994, a net increase in migration has contributed to South Australia's resident population.

The state has been actively recruiting overseas talent in an attempt to reach its population target of 2 million people by 2050.

"I think the state is doing an excellent job," said Michael Hickinbotham, Australian Population Institute chairman.

"It's a great example of a state government being proactive in the effort to grow the population in a responsible and sustainable way and it's supported by the federal government with the regional visa program," he added.

South Australia has revised its immigration policies in line with the September changes to Australia's General Skilled Migration program. The state offers skilled migration sponsorships for the following visas:

• Offshore Skilled Sponsored (subclass 176) visa
• Onshore Skilled Sponsored (subclass 886) visa
• Onshore Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 487) visa
• Offshore Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 475) visa

Net overseas migration for the whole of Australia during the first quarter of 2007 totalled 57,000 people -- the largest increase since the first quarter of 2001.