Irish emigration to Australia reaches all-time high since crash

Some have dubbed Australia Ireland’s 33rd county! The latest figures from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal a striking surge in emigration to Australia. In the 12 months leading up to April 2025, 13,500 people left Ireland for Australia—a 27% increase from the previous year and nearly three times higher than in 2023. This marks the highest level of Irish emigration to Australia since 2013, when 14,100 people made the move in the wake of the global financial crisis.

But unlike the recession-era exodus, today’s emigrants are driven by a different set of challenges. Rising housing costs, unsatisfactory work-life balance, stagnant wages and the cost of living, have left many feeling disillusioned with life in Ireland. Australia, with its promise of opportunity is once again seen as a land of fresh starts.

Leading Recruitment and Relocation Agency NexVentur conducted a survey of Irish migrants during the course of this period. The results reveal why thousands of Irish citizens are choosing to start new lives in Australia and what it means for Ireland’s future.

Key Insights:

Housing crisis: 47% of respondents cited housing challenges—skyrocketing rents, limited availability, and restrictive planning rules as major push factors.
Work-life balance: Over half (53%) feel Australia offers a better balance between work and personal life.
Higher wages: 30% pointed to better salaries in Australia, particularly in critical sectors such as construction, healthcare, and education.
Cost of living: 24% are emigrating due to Ireland’s high cost of living.

Who’s leaving?

• Young professionals aged 26-35 represent the majority (62%) of those emigrating.
• The construction (37%) and healthcare (18%) sectors are experiencing the most significant talent drain, affecting Ireland’s economy and essential services.

What can the Irish government do to keep Irish from moving abroad?

The findings highlight an urgent need for decisive action:
• Solve the housing crisis: Build affordable housing, simplify planning laws, and provide incentives for young people to own homes.
• Enhance financial support: Raise wages, reduce taxes, and offer relief for those on lower incomes to make Ireland more liveable.
• Invest in infrastructure: Create communities where young professionals want to live, work, and thrive.
• Transform the healthcare sector: Improve working conditions, invest in technology, and support frontline workers with competitive salaries.
• Support better work-life balance: Collaborate with industries to foster flexible, employee-focused workplace cultures.

See the full results here.

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