Australia revealed on Monday its plans to implement stricter visa regulations for international students and low-skilled workers, signaling a significant overhaul of the perceived “broken” migration system.
The proposed changes involve raising the bar for English proficiency in international students and introducing heightened scrutiny for second visa applications, with the objective of reducing the migrant intake by approximately 50% over the next two years.
During a media briefing, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stressed that the reforms aim to restore migration numbers to a more sustainable level, addressing concerns expressed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the current state of the system.
“Our strategy will bring migration numbers back to normal,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said during a media briefing.
“But it’s not just about numbers. It’s not just about this moment and the experience of migration our country is having at this time. This is about Australia’s future.”
The decision follows a recent surge in net immigration, largely attributed to international students.
The tightening of regulations is expected to alleviate mounting pressure on Australia’s already strained rental market.
While acknowledging potential implications for businesses and education services, the government underscores the importance of these reforms for the nation’s future.
