Immigration and COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had an enormous impact on economies around the world. In order to stem the spread of the virus, many countries have temporarily imposed extreme restrictions on migration. This comes on the back of rising populism and increasing scepticism about the benefits of migration in the lead-up to COVID-19. This crisis will have long-lasting repercussions for migration policy across the world and in Australia - a country that is dependent on migration for its major industries and economic growth. While many countries will seek to impose more permanent restrictions in the wake of COVID-19, Australia should resist such policies and promote migration as part of the national economic recovery. Migration has been a key enabler of Australia's economic development and will continue to be in the decades ahead. There are three actions that governments can take to ensure that migration comes back better in the wake of COVID-19: (1) Provide better financial support for temporary migrants through the crisis; (2) Continue to support the critical role of international education; and (3) Lead the world in attracting the best global talent.

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