Covid-19-related border and travel restrictions have resulted in record annual falls in both migrant arrivals and migrant departures. "However, we still have a net migration gain as migrant arrivals exceed migrant departures." Provisionally, a net gain of 15,500 New Zealand citizens was partly offset by a net loss of 8900 non-New Zealand citizens in the year ended March 2021. "Historically, New Zealand has had an annual net migration loss of New Zealand citizens and an annual net migration gain of non-New Zealand citizens, but Covid-19-related travel and border restrictions have reversed this pattern," Islam said. The net gain in New Zealand citizens in the year ended March 2021 is mostly due to fewer New Zealand citizens departing overseas, relative to those arriving.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 17, 2021 00:25 UTC