After Canada, Australia to cut migrant intake, tighten student visa rules
Australia tightens visa rule: Australia is set to tighten its visa regulations, affecting international students and low-skilled workers, as part of a plan to cut migrant intake by 50 per cent over the next two years. Clare O'Neil, the Home Affairs Minister, introduced these reforms, highlighting the need to revamp what's perceived as a "broken" migration system.
Among the changes, international students will face tougher English proficiency test requirements and increased scrutiny for visa extensions. O'Neil stressed that these alterations go beyond numbers, aiming to shape Australia's future by redefining the migration experience. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this stance, emphasising the need to bring the migration system to a "sustainable level" due to its current state. O'Neil noted that these targeted reforms are already impacting net overseas migration, contributing to an expected decline in migrant numbers.
The decision follows a projected peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022-23, primarily fueled by international students. Official forecasts predict a drop to approximately 250,000 by 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning more closely with pre-COVID levels.
Last year's surge in migration aimed to alleviate staffing shortages amidst strict pandemic border controls. However, the influx of foreign workers and students added pressure to the rental market, leading to an increase in homelessness.
In a recent move, the Australian government unveiled plans to significantly raise fees for foreign buyers of existing homes left vacant. The proposal involves tripling the foreign investment fee and doubling the annual vacancy fee for foreign owners of established homes unoccupied for over six months. This accumulates to a six-fold rise in annual fees for such buyers.
A survey conducted for the Sydney Morning Herald indicated that 62 per cent of Australian voters believe the country's migration intake is excessive, reflecting widespread public sentiment. Australia, historically reliant on immigration to strengthen its labor market, faces challenges in managing the repercussions of heightened migration. The Labor government aims to expedite entry for highly skilled workers, introducing a specialised visa with a one-week processing time to assist businesses in recruiting top-tier talent amid stiff competition from other developed economies.
- With inputs from agencies
