Barriers for Australians coming home from overseas have been highlighted in a report released today by Advance Global Australians.
The Advance Global Australians Report 2025 delves into the experiences, opinion and intentions of Australians living abroad and those who have recently returned home. The study was conducted by the not-for-profit organisation, Advance Global Australians in partnership with research company, CoreData.
Providing insights across into:
- Reasons for Australians moving overseas and motivations for returning
- Key challenges, benefits, and a regional comparative analysis of living and working overseas versus Australia, including job opportunities, cost of living, quality of life, and social connection.
- Perceptions of Australia and Australians overseas
- Priorities beyond the election cycle toward 2030
Based on 15-minute surveys and interviews conducted with 500 Australians worldwide from September to October 2024, the report focuses on community engagement and its broader implications for Australians and the nation.
The findings reveal a motivated yet under utilised and undervalued community. While global Australians actively seek to remain engaged, systemic barriers hinder their efforts.
Key findings of the Advance Global Australians Report 2025:
- Desire to return home: The majority (95%) of Australians overseas want to come home, but only 15% have concrete plans due to limited support structures and pathways.
- Family ties: Family is the most significant reason Australians plan to return (77%), followed by social life and healthcare access.
- Opportunities abroad: Better job opportunities are the main reason for moving overseas, especially to North America and Asia-Pacific.
- Cost of living: The majority find living abroad cheaper overall, with 66% citing cheaper transport, 55% noting cheaper clothing and personal care, and 55% finding eating out more affordable.
- Challenges of returning: Two-thirds (68%) of returning Australians find the process of moving back challenging, with 14% rating it as extremely challenging. Barriers include rebuilding social connections and finding suitable jobs.
- Worries about costs: Housing costs (59%) and general living expenses (52%) are the top concerns for those considering returning.
- Regional experiences: Australians feel most at home in the UK and safest in Asia-Pacific, with many saying the quality of life is better abroad.
The report also explores Australians’ perceptions and challenges:
- Challenges abroad: Navigating government systems (33%) and missing home (39%) are common issues.
- Reluctance to self-promote: While 80% believe Australians’ achievements abroad deserve more recognition, only 32% are comfortable promoting their successes outside Australia.
- Reputation: Australians are regarded as friendly abroad, and Australia is seen as excelling in agriculture, food, wine, and sport.
Looking ahead to 2030, Australians at home and abroad want the government to prioritise:
- Environment: Practical and affordable sustainability initiatives.
- Quality of life: Improved living standards for Australians.
- Education and talent: Supporting global talent and innovation.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: Creating opportunities for business growth.
“With more than one million Australians living overseas and many playing significant roles worldwide, this report provides valuable insights and highlights untapped opportunities for our country,” said Kate McQuestin, CEO of Advance Global Australians.
“International experiences benefit both individuals and the nation. Going overseas after school or for a career opportunity is not new for Australians and many of us want our children to have the ability to do so. However, we need them to be able to return to a job, affordable housing, and a good quality of life in Australia.
“Our people across the globe should not be ignored. They are an asset and are critical for ensuring Australia’s competitiveness, innovation, and influence in a globalising world.”
“The report clearly shows we need to create clearer pathways for Australians to return, dispel misconceptions and leverage their experiences for the benefit of all Australians.”
“Australians abroad are crucial links and contributors to the growth and global standing of our nation. Their insights and contributions are essential for building a thriving and future-ready nation that leads on the global stage.”
“We are committed to seizing the opportunities highlighted and overcoming the obstacles by connecting, empowering and championing Australians globally. Harnessing this enormous potential, facilitating knowledge sharing and delivering a clearer pathway home for the benefit of all.”
“We aspire to drive greater collaboration among governments, businesses and educational institutions to ensure mutual growth and long-term success for both individuals and the nation,” said McQuestin.
Advance Global Australians has outlined targeted programs, policies, and partnerships to the Australian Government, including reintegration, career advancement, and mentoring programs. The organisation is working with corporate Australia, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities presented in the report.
Key Facts:
1. Australians Abroad
- Over 1 million Australians live and work overseas, contributing to global industries, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
- The UK is where Australians feel most at home, while Asia-Pacific is where Australians feel safest and the USA was cited as offering the best job opportunities.
2. Desire to Return Home
- 95% of Australians abroad want to return, but only 15% have concrete plans due to systemic barriers such as high living costs, limited job opportunities, and reintegration challenges.
- Family, healthcare access, and social life are the primary motivators for returning.
3. Challenges Overseas
- Common struggles include navigating Australian government systems (e.g., taxation, superannuation), staying connected to home, and accessing trusted local services.
4. Opportunities for Australia
- Australians abroad represent a significant, underutilised resource for driving innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
- The diaspora enhances Australia’s soft power through cultural diplomacy, international collaboration, and advocacy for global priorities.
5. Economic and Social Contributions
- Returning Australians bring diverse skills and perspectives that address talent shortages and foster economic growth.
- Diaspora members contribute through trade, investment, academic collaboration, and philanthropy.
6. Strategic Needs
- Clearer pathways for reintegration, including employment.
- Policies to enhance global connections, retain talent, and recognise Australians’ achievements abroad.
7. Insights into Global Living
- Many Australians perceive life overseas as having better affordability, particularly for housing, transportation, and groceries.
- Quality of life is often viewed as higher abroad, driven by career opportunities and cultural experiences.
8. Looking to 2030
- Australians want the government to prioritise sustainability, well-being, education, innovation, and global talent development.
About us:
About Advance Global Australians: Advance Global Australians (AGA) is a non-partisan, independent, and not-for-profit organisation with a community of 70,000 Australians, including expats, repatriates, and 'flex-pats' (Australians based locally but frequently traveling for global roles). Founded in 2002 by then Consul General in New York Ken Allen AO, AGA supports Australians globally through services, events, and opportunities while fostering a network of market intelligence across the world. Membership is free, and the organisation relies on sponsorship, donations, and fundraising to operate. The Advance Global Australian Board and the organisation’s Ambassadors are Australian business leaders and innovators, who volunteer their time across the world to support the organisation, help its members and to advance Australia globally. 2024 is the first year since its inception, Advance Global Australians has not received any funding from the Australian Government. Prime Minister Albanese is its patron as have been all the Prime Ministers since Advance Global Australians was established.
Contact details:
Kate McQuestin
0411 839 174