Australia plans to quadruple immigration, tighten student visa rules

SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Australia said on Monday it would tighten visa rules for international students and low-income workers that could reduce the use of foreign workers over the next two years as the government looks to fix what he called a “broken” transit system.

Under the new policy, international students will need to achieve high scores in English language tests and will have more research on the application. second by a student to extend their stay.

“Our plan will bring immigration numbers back to normal,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said during the announcement.

“But it’s not just about the numbers, it’s not just about the present and the immigration experience that our country is experiencing at this time, based on the future of Australia”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at the weekend that Australia’s immigration numbers needed to be returned to a “sustainable level,” adding that “the system is broken.”

According to O’Neil, the government’s policy changes have already put pressure on outbound travel and will further help in the expected decline in the number of travelers.

The decision comes as immigration figures are expected to top 510,000 by 2022-23. Official data showed that it was predicted to fall by around a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, according to the first stage of the COVID.

O’Neil said the increase in outbound traffic in 2022-23 was largely driven by international students.

Shares of IDP Education (IEL.AX), which provides services and education to international students, fell 3% in afternoon trading.

Australia raised its annual immigration numbers last year to help businesses hire workers to fill shortages after the COVID-19 pandemic brought border controls, keeping students and foreign workers for almost two years.

But the sudden influx of foreign workers and students has further strained the already tight rental market, increasing the lack of houses in the country.

A survey conducted for the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Monday found that 62% of Australian voters said immigration was too high.

Long reliant on migrants to supply the current labor market, the Australian Labor Government is pushing to accelerate immigration of high-skilled workers and four pave their way to permanent residency.

A new special visa for high-skilled workers will be introduced with a one-week processing time, to help businesses recruit high-skilled workers amid tough competition and other developing countries.

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