Oceania

Oceania hosts approximately 6 million international migrants, making up 16.8 per cent of the population in the region. Oceania has been and still is a region of immigration, with more people entering than leaving. The migrant population in Australia and New Zealand has increased consistently over the last ten years and accounts for about one fifth of the total population. British migrants are the largest group of migrants in both countries, with migration between the two countries also being significant.  Emigration from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia are also largely to New Zealand and secondly to Australia.

The policies of Australia and New Zealand have been to promote and facilitate immigration and do so through a points-based system. Temporary work programs also exist specifically for Pacific Islanders. Integration of migrants is a high priority and both countries have actively pursued a policy of multi-culturalism. Several programs and initiatives, both governmental and non, exist to help both new and already existing immigrants.

Read here about an example of City dealing with integration in Oceania: Singapore

Information taken primarily from UNDESA Trends in International Migrant Stock; the World Bank Development Prospects Group; International Organization for Migration World Migration Report 2008.

For more information:
IOM facts and figures about Australia
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Australia