Unlocking the Skills of a Million Australians Abroad & Returning

Advance Global Australians is calling on Governments and recruiters not to overlook Australians abroad and returning Australian talent.

This follows the latest AHRI Quarterly Australian Work Outlook, which reveals that 60% of Australian employers plan to recruit migrant workers in 2025 to address critical skill shortages.

The report highlights a strong demand for high-skilled (37%), medium-skilled (29%), and low-skilled (16%) talent across multiple industries. It also shows that the public sector (81%) leads in overseas recruitment, followed by the voluntary (63%) and private (55%) sectors.

AHRI states that Australian organisations are recruiting overseas due to a shortage of skilled domestic candidates (33%) and the need for experienced workers (30%). 

Meanwhile, the 2025 Global Australian Report highlights the untapped potential of Australians living and working abroad —a talent pool often overlooked by recruiters.

“95% of Australians abroad want to return home, but only 15% have concrete plans due to limited pathways. Meanwhile, 51% are actively seeking information on job opportunities, openings, and career transitions in Australia—an untapped resource that recruiters and employers should be leveraging,” says Advance Global Australians CEO, Kate McQuestin.

“We are contacted daily by skilled Australians abroad who want to return but face barriers—or who have returned, only to find that recruiters don’t value their overseas experience.”

Advance Global Australians is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting, empowering, and championing Australians globally. Independent and nonpartisan, the organisation helps Australians navigate career opportunities abroad and at home.

With a global network of over 70,000 Australians across diverse industries and regions, Advance fosters professional growth, cultural connections, and career opportunities, including reintegration support for returning Australians.

“Australia’s one million-strong diaspora represents a vast, skilled workforce that remains deeply connected to the nation,” McQuestin said. “To address Australia’s workforce challenges, a balanced recruitment strategy is essential—one that leverages both international talent and the returning Australian workforce.”

“There is an opportunity to expand pathways for returning Australians. Organisations that establish clear career transition programs and hiring incentives for Australians re-entering the local job market will attract this talent pool.”

“As a not-for-profit, we are deeply committed to connecting Australian talent abroad and supporting their seamless reintegration back home.”

“Our report clearly shows a need to create clearer pathways for Australians to return, and the AHRI Quarterly Australian Work Outlook reinforces the business case for their return. We should not overlook them. With the right government policies, incentives, and employer engagement, returning Australians could fill workforce gaps while bringing global expertise back home.”

“Australia’s global talent is not just an asset to the nation—it is a critical driver of our future prosperity. If we don’t take this issue seriously and address it with a clear workforce strategy, we will simply fall behind,” McQuestin warned.

“We aspire to drive greater collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions to ensure mutual growth and long-term success—for individuals and for the nation.”

In 2025, Advance Global Australians is implementing a strategic framework of ten interlinked initiatives to connect, support, and empower Australians abroad, while strengthening Australia’s global influence and competitiveness.

Founded in 2002, the organisation has historically received bipartisan support. However, 2024 was the first year since its establishment that Advance Global Australians did not receive government support or funding. The organisation has applied for grants and outlined reintegration, career advancement, and mentoring solutions to the Australian Government.

Advance Global Australians is actively seeking support to tackle the challenges and opportunities outlined in the 2025 Global Australian Report. As a not-for-profit organisation, it relies on sponsorships, donations, and fundraising to continue its mission. Membership is free, ensuring all Australians abroad can stay connected and supported. 

About Advance Global Australians: Advance Global Australians 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 travelling for global roles). Its mission is to strengthen and unite the global Australian community, fostering meaningful connections, opportunities, and support for Australians wherever they are. Founded in 2002 by the then Consul General in New York Ken Allen AO, Advance Global Australians supports Australians globally through services, events, and opportunities while fostering a network of market intelligence worldwide. The Advance Global Australians Board and the organisation’s Ambassadors are Australian business leaders and innovators who volunteer their time worldwide to support the organisation, help its members and advance Australia globally. Prime Minister Albanese is its patron, as have all the Prime Ministers since Advance Global Australians was established.

Media contact: Kate McQuestin on 0411 839 174 or kate@advance.org