Down Under Decision: Australia Plans 50% Cut in Migration Intake Within 2 Years

In a significant move, the Australian government has officially declared its intention to reduce the country’s migration intake by half over the next two years, according to information obtained by Infostride News. The decision aims to address perceived issues within the immigration system, with a target to limit the annual intake to 250,000 by June 2025—bringing it back in line with pre-pandemic levels.

The newly introduced measures encompass a range of changes, including heightened minimum English-language proficiency requirements for international students and increased scrutiny for individuals seeking a second visa. As part of the reforms, applicants must now demonstrate that further studies align significantly with their academic aspirations or career development.

The tightening of visa rules extends beyond international students to encompass low-skilled workers, reflecting the government’s broader strategy to alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure strained by record migration levels.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, while unveiling a comprehensive 10-year immigration strategy, criticized the previous government for leaving the migration system “in tatters.” An earlier review in the year identified the system as “badly broken” and called for major reforms due to unnecessary complexity, sluggishness, and inefficiency.

The proposed measures not only include stricter English-language requirements for international students but also aim to bring migration numbers under control by reducing the annual intake by approximately 50%. Despite the reduction, the reforms promise to enhance visa pathways for migrants possessing specialized or essential skills, such as highly-skilled tech workers or care professionals, offering improved prospects for permanent residency.

Minister O’Neil highlighted that these policies are designed to attract necessary workers for Australia while simultaneously mitigating the risk of exploitation for those residing, working, and studying in the country. During a media briefing on Monday, she emphasized that the migration system had been severely compromised by the previous government and that the current reforms are essential for its revitalization.

As of June 2023, Australia has experienced a record influx of people, with official data indicating approximately 650,000 foreign students in the country, a significant number of whom are on their second visa. Minister O’Neil acknowledged the urgency to “bring numbers back under control” and announced plans to reduce the annual migration intake by about 50%. However, opposition migration spokesman Dan Tehan criticized the government for what he perceives as a slow response in adjusting migration policies to aid Australia’s recovery from the pandemic.

On the other hand, entities like the Business Council of Australia have voiced concerns that migrants are being used as a scapegoat for broader issues, including a lack of investment in affordable housing and decades of poor housing policy. The debate over Australia’s immigration policies continues, with stakeholders expressing diverse perspectives on the government’s strategy and its potential impact on the country’s social and economic landscape. Infostride News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this evolving situation.