In a bid to overhaul Australia’s immigration system, the government, on Monday, announced plans to reduce the country’s annual migration intake by 50% within the next two years, aiming for an intake of 250,000 by June 2025.
The move aims to address the strain on housing and infrastructure caused by record-high migration levels.
The Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil, unveiled the 10-year immigration strategy, describing the current system as “in tatters” and in dire need of reform.
A comprehensive review earlier this year labeled the system as “badly broken,” citing its complexity, sluggishness, and inefficiency as key areas for major overhaul.
Australia saw a record influx of 510,000 migrants in the year leading up to June 2023, prompting the government’s initiative to regain control over migration numbers.
The new strategy includes tightening visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, imposing stricter English-language proficiency requirements, and scrutinizing second visa applications more intensely to ensure educational or career advancement.
The revamped policies also aim to provide clearer pathways for migrants possessing specialized or essential skills, such as highly skilled tech workers and care professionals, offering them improved prospects of securing permanent residency.
Minister O’Neil emphasized that these measures intend to attract the necessary workforce while safeguarding those residing, working, and studying in Australia from exploitation.