Australia has announced new and stringent visa rules aimed at reducing its migrant intake by half over the next two years. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil unveiled the reforms, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the perceived “broken” migration system.
Under the new policies, international students will be required to achieve higher scores on English proficiency tests, and second visa applications for extended stays will face increased scrutiny. The government’s strategy, as highlighted by O’Neil, extends beyond numerical adjustments to shape Australia’s future through a more comprehensive migration experience.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the sentiment, stating the need to bring the migration system back to a “sustainable level” due to its current state of disrepair. The reforms are already impacting net overseas migration, contributing to the expected decline in migrant numbers.
The decision responds to a forecasted peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022-23, largely driven by international students. Official data anticipates a decline to around a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels.
Last week, the Australian government also announced plans to significantly increase fees on foreign buyers of existing homes left vacant, further emphasizing a shift in migration policies.
