Australia announced on Monday that it would be implementing more stringent visa regulations, a move expected to significantly reduce the influx of migrants over the next two years. The Australian government’s focus is particularly on tightening visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, aiming to address what they perceive as a “broken” migration system.
In an effort to bring about a substantial reduction, the government aims to cut the yearly influx by half, targeting a limit of up to 250,000 people annually. This decision comes as part of Australia’s broader initiative to overhaul and improve its migration system.
The expected record levels of net immigration in 2022 and 2023 have prompted this review, with Interior Minister Clare O’Neil attributing much of the increase to the surge in international students.
“We have worked tirelessly to strike the right balance in the Australian migration system,” said O’Neil, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a well-considered migration strategy.
Under the newly introduced policy, international students will be required to attain higher scores in English testing, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a high standard of language proficiency. Additionally, the government is putting an end to existing arrangements that permit students to extend their stay in Australia.
Government figures indicate that around 650,000 international students currently reside in the country, and when including former students, this number is on track to reach 860,000. By implementing these stricter visa rules, Australia aims to manage its migration system more effectively, ensuring that it aligns with the nation’s economic and social goals while maintaining high standards for those seeking entry.
