Australia to Tighten Visa Rules for International Students and Low-Skilled Workers
Australia is set to introduce stricter visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers as part of a comprehensive overhaul of its migration system. The new policies aim to ensure that migrants possess the necessary skills and language proficiency to contribute effectively to the country’s economy.
Under the proposed changes, international students would have to achieve higher scores on English language tests and face increased scrutiny during their second visa application. The government believes that these measures will help maintain a sustainable level of migration in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his concerns about the country’s migration numbers and believes that a reduction is necessary. The government’s reforms are already having an impact, putting downward pressure on net overseas migration and contributing to a decline in migrant numbers.
Previously, net immigration was expected to reach a record 510,000 in 2022-23. However, with the implementation of the new policies, it is now projected to fall to about a quarter of a million in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. It is worth noting that the increase in net overseas migration in 2022-23 was largely driven by international students.
The announcement of the stricter visa rules has caused some repercussions in the business sector. Shares of IDP Education, a provider of placement and education services for international students, dropped more than 3% following the news. It remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to these changes.
It is important to highlight that Australia had increased its annual migration numbers last year to address staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the influx of foreign workers and students has intensified pressure on the rental market and led to a rise in homelessness.
Public opinion in Australia also plays a role in shaping the government’s approach to migration. A recent survey showed that 62% of Australian voters believed that the country’s migration intake was too high. The Labor government plans to establish a specialist visa for highly skilled workers with a one-week processing time to help businesses recruit top migrants.
With these new visa rules, Australia aims to strike a balance between attracting skilled individuals who can contribute to the country’s development and ensuring that the infrastructure and services can support the needs of the growing population. As the government implements these policies, their long-term effects on the economy, education sector, and public opinion will become clearer.
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