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The Australian government announced on Monday that it will implement stricter visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, signaling a significant shift in its migration policies. The move is part of a broader effort to overhaul what the government describes as a “broken” migration system.
Under the new policies, international students will be required to achieve higher scores on English proficiency tests. Additionally, greater scrutiny will be applied to second visa applications from students seeking to prolong their stay in the country. The government aims to address concerns about the influx of migrants and create a more sustainable migration framework.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized that the strategy aims not only to reduce migration numbers but also to shape Australia’s future. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscored the need to bring migration numbers back to a “sustainable level,” asserting that the current system is flawed.
The targeted reforms are expected to put downward pressure on net overseas migration. The government anticipates a decline in migrant numbers following these policy changes. Net immigration had reached a record 510,000 in 2022-23, and the reforms seek to bring it down to approximately 250,000 in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels.
O’Neil pointed out that the surge in net overseas migration in 2022-23 was largely driven by international students. The decision to increase migration numbers last year was initially made to address labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had prompted strict border controls for nearly two years.
However, the sudden influx of foreign workers and students contributed to challenges such as a tightening rental market and an increase in homelessness. A survey indicated that 62% of Australian voters believe the country’s migration intake is too high.
As part of the reforms, a specialist visa for highly skilled workers will be established, with an expedited processing time of one week. This initiative aims to help businesses recruit top-tier talent amid stiff competition with other developed economies.
While these changes are expected to reshape Australia’s migration landscape, they also reflect the government’s commitment to balancing economic needs with social considerations, including housing and public sentiment.
