Australia’s Bold Move to Slash Migrant Intake by 50% Takes Center Stage
Australia has unveiled a new 10-year immigration strategy to address what it calls a “broken” immigration system. The plan, announced on Monday by the Australian government, aims to reduce the migration intake by approximately 50% within two years, bringing the annual intake to 250,000 by June 2025. The strategy includes tightening visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers to address housing and infrastructure challenges arising from record-high migration levels.
Despite these measures, the country is still grappling with the challenge of attracting skilled workers to fill gaps in the labor market. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, speaking at a media briefing, emphasized that the migration system had been left “in tatters” by the previous government. A review earlier in the year identified the system as “badly broken” and in need of “major reform” due to unnecessary complexity, slowness, and inefficiency.
The government aims to regain control over migration numbers and reduce the annual intake by around 50%, especially after a record 510,000 people arrived in Australia in the year leading up to June 2023. Changes include tougher English-language requirements for international students, increased scrutiny for those applying for a second visa, and adjustments to visa pathways for migrants with “specialist” or “essential” skills to enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated that the new policies would attract the workers Australia needs while minimizing the risk of exploitation for those living, working, and studying in the country. However, opposition migration spokesman Dan Tehan criticized the government, saying it was “too slow to adjust migration policies designed to help Australia recover from the pandemic.” He argued that the government had missed the opportunity to address migration challenges effectively.
While the Labor government faces declining popularity and pressure to temporarily reduce migration to alleviate housing issues, the Business Council of Australia cautioned against scapegoating migrants, emphasizing the need for increased investment in affordable housing and improved policy.
