Australia has announced plans to tighten visa rules aimed at reforming its migration system, particularly concerning low-skilled workers and international students. The proposed changes include heightened English proficiency requirements for international students and a more rigorous assessment process during their second visa applications, potentially extending their stays. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasised these adjustments as important for scaling back migration numbers and ensuring the sustainability of Australia’s future.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pressing need to reform migration levels. The migration level needs to be restored to a more manageable and sustainable threshold and characterising the current system as flawed. Further, O’Neil emphasised the effectiveness of targeted reforms. As per him, there is an expectation of a substantial decline in net overseas migration from the initially anticipated record high of 510,000 in 2022–23 to approximately a quarter of a million in both 2024–25 and 2025–26.
The upsurge in overseas net migration during 2022–23 was primarily attributed to an influx of international students. Australia had increased its migration intake to address prevalent shortages. However, this sudden influx of foreign workers and students has intensified existing pressures on the already strained rental market. The influx of international students and low-skilled workers contributes significantly to an escalating homelessness crisis.
Furthermore, the historical reliance on immigration to sustain Australia’s tight labour market is recognised. The Labour government is now focusing on expediting the entry of highly skilled workers while simultaneously streamlining pathways for their transition to permanent residency. These measures aim to strike a balance between addressing labour shortages and ensuring the sustainable growth and stability of the country’s economy and society.
