Indian arrivals in NZ double amid new migration record

Indians, mostly students, arriving in New Zealand doubled than last year as annual migration in the island country rose to a fresh record in May, according to latest figures.

The record inbound migration has been bolstered by an increase in international students, led by Indian and Chinese arrivals, besides Australia, the Philippines and France, the New Zealand Herald reported today, citing agency Statistics NZ.

Indian arrivals doubled to a net gain of 12,100 on an annual basis, from 6,585 arrivals a year earlier to be the biggest group, while the number of people arriving from Chinaincreased 22 per cent to a net gain of 7,745 people.

The country reported a net gain of 57,800 migrants in the year through May, ahead of a 36,400 gain in the year earlier period, and the 10th consecutive month where migration has broken records.

Migrant arrivals rose 15 per cent from the year earlier, while departures slipped 10 per cent.

On a monthly basis, New Zealand had a net inflow of 533 migrants from Australia in May, extending the gain from April, which was the first time New Zealand reported a monthly gain from across the Tasman since 1991.

New Zealand’s inward migration has been boosted by fewer locals leaving for Australia and more returning as the mining boom across the Tasman slows and a sharp drop in the global price of iron ore weighs on Australia’s economic prospects.

Separately, the number of short-term visitors to New Zealand rose 10 per cent to 1,76,700 in May compared to the year earlier period, as Chinese short-term visitors were at a record level for a May month.

“The number of visitors from China increased 45 per cent in May 2015 compared with May 2014,” population statistics manager Vina Cullum said. “Most of this increase was from Chinese holidaymakers.”

On an annual basis, visitor arrivals increased 7 per cent to 2.98 million, led by more arrivals from China.