Minister of the Interior: “Complicated and ineffective policy major reform”
510,000 people in the year until June of this year… to 250,000 by 2025
Minimum English language requirements and second visa scrutiny to become stricter
The Australian government aims to reduce annual immigration to pre-pandemic levels of 250,000 by June 2025. Under this plan, visa regulations for foreign students and low-skilled workers will also be strengthened.
According to the BBC on the 11th (local time), Australian Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neill announced a new 10-year immigration strategy at a press briefing that day and said, “The government will regain control over the number of immigrants and reduce the annual number of immigrants by about 50%.” The number of immigrants in Australia counted for the year to June this year was 510,000.
“A review earlier this year found that the immigration process was unnecessarily complex, inefficient and in need of major reform,” Minister O’Neill said.
Minimum English language requirements for international students will become stricter under new measures. Additionally, those who apply for a second visa in the hope of extending their stay will be subject to closer scrutiny and must demonstrate a passion for their studies or potential for career progression.
According to official data, there are about 650,000 international students in Australia, many of whom hold second visas.
Meanwhile, the visa path for immigrants with professional qualifications or important skills, such as highly skilled technicians and caregivers, has been improved, increasing the likelihood that they will obtain permanent residency.
“The new immigration policy will help us attract more workers to Australia,” Minister O’Neill said. “It will also help reduce the risk of people living, working and studying in Australia being taken advantage of.”
The Labor government, which came to power in last year’s election, has shown a decline in popularity since the election. In recent weeks, Australia has come under pressure from some quarters to temporarily reduce immigration to ease its housing crisis, the BBC reported.
As the number of immigrants coming to Australia increases, concerns about housing and social infrastructure shortages are growing.
However, organizations such as the Australian Business Council pointed out that immigrants have become victims as a result of the government’s continued lax housing policy without investing in providing housing that immigrants can afford.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.