Australia makes it more difficult for international students, foreign workers to get visas
The decision comes in response to a forecasted peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022-23, largely driven by international students. Official data indicates an anticipated decline to around a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels.
Australia will be implementing new stringent visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, in an effort to reduce its migrant intake by half over the next two years. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil unveiled the reforms, emphasizing the need to overhaul a perceived "broken" migration system.
The new policies will require international students to achieve higher scores on English proficiency tests, with increased scrutiny on second visa applications to extend their stays. O'Neil emphasized that the government's strategy goes beyond mere numerical adjustments, focusing on shaping Australia's future through a comprehensive migration experience.
The decision comes in response to a forecasted peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022-23, largely driven by international students. Official data indicates an anticipated decline to around a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels.
The increase in migration numbers last year aimed to address staffing shortages caused by strict border controls during the pandemic. However, the influx of foreign workers and students exacerbated pressures on the rental market, leading to a rise in homelessness.
Last week, the Australian government announced plans to significantly increase fees on foreign buyers of existing homes left vacant.
Under the proposed scheme, this foreign investment fee will be tripled. Foreign owners of established homes left vacant for more than six months will face a doubled annual vacancy fee, previously equivalent to the foreign investment fee. The combined effect amounts to a six-fold increase in annual fees for foreign buyers who leave existing homes unoccupied.
A survey conducted for the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that 62% of Australian voters believe the country's migration intake is too high, reflecting public sentiment on the issue.
Australia, known for relying on immigration to bolster its labor market, faces challenges in managing the impact of increased migration. The Labor government is focusing on expediting the entry of highly skilled workers, introducing a specialist visa with a one-week processing time to facilitate businesses in recruiting top-tier talent amid stiff competition with other developed economies.