ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – New Zealand is facing a wave of population migration due to the difficulty of finding work and the slowing economy in the country.
New Zealand’s Department of Statistics announced Tuesday that the number of people leaving the country in the first half of this year reached 80,200 people or 1.5 percent of the population.
According to official statistics last month, the number of migrant departures reached 138,600 in May, the highest figure in a one-year period. In the same period, the unemployment rate increased by 1 percent and the employment rate fell by 1.4 percent.
The slowing economy and lack of job opportunities are pushing young New Zealanders to migrate to look for work in other countries.
The 18-30 year age group represents 38 percent of all residents leaving the country. Most of them went to Australia and England.
In June, there were 24,900 migrant arrivals and 80,200 migrant departures.
“For every New Zealander who comes, there are more than three who leave,” the department said.
However, total net migration remains positive, at 73,200 people, if non-New Zealand citizens are included.
Migration figures are the biggest indicator of population growth or decline in New Zealand. (AT Network)
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