Top 3 Destinations for Australia Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 22,000 Australian citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, roughly flat from the year before:
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | New Zealand | ~5,280 (24% of overall Australian outflow) |
| Australia | United Kingdom | ~4,180 (19% of overall Australian outflow) |
| Australia | United States | ~3,520 (16% of overall Australian outflow) |
All three destinations are English speaking. New Zealand leads, which makes sense given the proximity and freedom of movement between the two countries. The UK and US round out a purely Anglophone top 3.
So if Australians are headed to NZ, the UK, and the US, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of New Zealand citizens (to OECD countries) was 18,000 in 2023. ~75% went to Australia, 6% to the United Kingdom, and 5% to the United States.
Emigration of UK citizens (to OECD countries) was 85,000 in 2023. ~21% went to Spain, 13% to the United States, and 12% to Australia.
Emigration of US citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~13% went to Spain, 10% to the United Kingdom, and 10% to Canada.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Australia | ~13,500 |
| United Kingdom | Spain | ~17,850 |
| United States | Spain | ~13,520 |