The Australian government has announced it will halve the country's immigration numbers over the next two years, fixing the country's "broken" immigration system. The annual rate of immigration should drop to approximately 250.000 people, which is in line with pre-pandemic levels. As part of this, visas for foreign students and low-skilled workers should be tightened.
Migration rates have risen to record levels in Australia, increasing pressure on housing and infrastructure issues. But there is still a shortage of skilled workers, and the country is struggling to attract them. Unveiling the new 10-year immigration strategy at a media briefing, Home Secretary Claire O'Neill said the previous government had left the migration system "in shambles".
Earlier this year, an audit found the system to be "very broken", ie unnecessarily complex, slow and inefficient, and in need of "major reform". A record 510.000 people have come to Australia since June this year, but the minister said her government would "bring the numbers back under control" and reduce annual migration inflows by around 50%.
Among the new measures are stricter minimum English language requirements for foreign students and increased scrutiny of those applying for a second visa. They will need to demonstrate that further study will advance their academic aspirations or career. There are about 650.000 international students in Australia, and many of them have a second visa, according to official data.
Visa pathways for migrants with "specialist" or "essential" skills, such as highly skilled technical workers or caregivers, have also been improved to offer better prospects for permanent residence. The new policy will attract more of the workers Australia needs and help reduce the risk of exploitation for those living, working and studying in the country, O'Neill said.
