Record immigration figure is smashed as one group of overseas visitors floods into Australia

A record number of working visas have been issued to holidaymakers with the figure surpassing 200,000 for the first time. A record number of working visas have been issued to holidaymakers with the figure surpassing 200,000 for the first time The thousands of revellers, many of them working visa holders, that flooded onto Sydney's eastern beaches for Christmas Day partying presented striking visual evidence of the influx. Former immigration department official Abul Rizvi said the changes Scott Morrison introduced had 'stomped on the accelerator' for working visas, but the strong labour market and other deals had also helped open the flood gates. The thousands of revellers, many of them working visa holders, that flooded onto Sydney's eastern beaches for Christmas Day partying presented striking visual evidence of the influx However, Mr Rizvi, a former immigration department deputy secretary, estimated 450,000 to 475,000 people were likely to have moved to Australia in 2023-24. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said higher-than-expected immigration for 2024-25 meant Australia would struggle to house its burgeoning population despite the pledge by the Albanese government to build 1.2million homes over five years.