In a bid to overhaul what it deems a “broken” immigration system, the Australian government has introduced a comprehensive 10-year immigration strategy. The plan, unveiled on Monday, aims to cut migration intake by half within the next two years, with a target of reducing the annual intake to 250,000 by June 2025. This move comes in response to concerns about the strain on housing and infrastructure resulting from record-high migration levels.
The new strategy includes stringent measures affecting international students and low-skilled workers, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by an influx of migrants. Despite these efforts, Australia continues to grapple with the task of attracting skilled workers in the face of existing shortages across various sectors.
Speaking at a media briefing, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized the urgent need for major reform, citing the existing system as “badly broken” due to its unnecessary complexity, sluggishness, and inefficiency. The government is determined to regain control over immigration numbers, aiming for a 50% reduction in the annual migration intake following a record influx of 510,000 people in the year to June 2023.
To achieve these goals, the revised policies introduce stricter English-language requirements for international students and heightened scrutiny for those applying for a second visa. The adjustments also extend to visa pathways for migrants with specialized or essential skills, offering improved prospects for obtaining permanent residency.
Minister O’Neil asserted that these changes are designed not only to attract necessary workers but also to mitigate the risk of exploitation for those residing, working, and studying in Australia. However, these measures have not escaped criticism, with opposition migration spokesman Dan Tehan expressing concerns about the government’s perceived slow response to adjusting migration policies in the wake of the pandemic.
While the Australian government contends that the revised immigration strategy is a necessary step toward alleviating housing and infrastructure pressures, the Business Council of Australia cautions against scapegoating migrants, urging a closer examination of underlying issues such as affordable housing and overall policy effectiveness.
