Australian Opposition Plans Major Immigration Cut

Australia’s Liberal-National Coalition has proposed a migration policy that seeks to reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for the first two years and to about 160,000 in year four. The plan, announced by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, includes cuts to temporary visas, humanitarian visas, and international student numbers.

Migration Policy in Australia

Migration policy in Australia covers permanent migration, temporary migration, humanitarian intake, and student visas. Net overseas migration is a statistical measure used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to record the difference between arrivals and departures over a period.

Australia reopened its borders in February 2022 after nearly two years of Covid-19 closures. Net overseas migration stood at 306,000 in the year to 30 June 2025, while the Labor government has set a target of 225,000 by 2028.

Key Features of the Coalition Proposal

The Coalition plans to cut temporary visas by about 650,000 over four years, excluding visitors and New Zealanders. It also proposes to halve humanitarian visa places to 10,000 a year and abolish the temporary graduate visa programme.

• International student enrolment would be capped at 240,000.
• Most international students would be restricted from bringing family members.
• The share of foreign students in higher education would be reduced to below 25%.
• Temporary skilled visas would increase by 100,000, and construction worker visa applications would be cleared.

Political Context and Budget Estimate

The Coalition has linked the proposal to housing, roads, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. It has estimated a federal budget gain of about A$260 million, using undisclosed estimates prepared with the Parliamentary Budget Office.

The plan is due to be tested before Australia’s next general election, which is scheduled for 2028. The Coalition has said that full costings will be released closer to the election.

Important Facts for Exams

• Australia uses the term net overseas migration for migration statistics.
• The temporary graduate visa allows international students to work in Australia after graduation.
• Humanitarian visas are part of Australia’s migration intake.
• One Nation is a far-right, anti-immigration political party in Australia.