Survey Identifies Barriers to Australians Returning Home

A new study reveals that many expatriates lack professional pathways to return to Australia despite wanting to move back.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Remote Work

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage compass resting on wood, pointing toward a stylized shape of Australia, evoking the journey home. — A new Wisevoter survey reveals that 76 per cent of Australian expatriates lack a clear professional pathway to return home despite strong interest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is Australia currently doing enough to attract and retain its brightest professional talent?

The Global Australians Survey conducted in October 2026 indicates that while 92 per cent of expatriates are open to returning, 76 per cent currently lack a clear professional pathway home. Approximately 80 Australians seek opportunities to return to the country every week.

Why it matters

Expatriates report that a lack of suitable employment and business opportunities acts as a major barrier to their return. John Howard has warned that Australia faces a significant brain drain due to the absence of a coordinated national engagement strategy.

The survey of 1,000 participants found that 63 per cent believe Australia lacks ambition, while 60 per cent feel the country is falling behind global economic and technological changes.

The players

John Howard

He is a former Prime Minister of Australia who has raised concerns regarding the economic factors that make Australia less attractive to expatriates.

The details

Respondents identified high inflation and taxation as factors that diminish the nation's attractiveness compared to other global markets. Furthermore, 62 per cent of those surveyed believe Australia fails to effectively utilise the skills and experience of its citizens who work abroad.

The Global Australians Survey was conducted throughout October 2026.

Market Landscape

This research highlights a competitive disadvantage as the nation struggles to retain human capital against global hubs like Europe. The findings underscore a need for structural shifts to integrate talent, mirroring broader struggles in national labour markets to stay relevant.

The potential brain drain could affect the availability of high-skilled talent within the Australian labour market. Professionals hoping to return may face continued difficulty finding roles that match their international experience until a national strategy is implemented.

The takeaway

The data suggests that a significant number of expatriates are willing to contribute their skills locally if pathways were established. Improving employment and business conditions may be essential to reversing the current brain drain trend.