SYDNEY: On Monday, Australia announced a plan to cut its annual migration numbers by 50%, bringing them down from the current peak of 510,000. This reduction will be achieved over two years through the implementation of stricter criteria for overseas students and the exclusion of low-skilled workers. This policy shift is likely to impact Indian students aspiring to study in Australia. Since 2012, the Indian-born population has seen the most significant growth in Australia, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The revised migration approach will require students to pass a more rigorous English-language test and prove their genuine student status before entering Australia. Additionally, it will be more challenging for them to remain in the country if they fail to secure jobs that address Australia’s skills shortages, as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

The new policy aims to halve Australia’s net migration within two years. Currently, Australia hosts over 650,000 international students, with many extending their stay by enrolling in additional courses. Out of these, 150,000 are on their second student visa. The government is considering further measures, such as capping student numbers or increasing visa application fees, if the new strategy does not reduce net migration to 250,000 by June 2025.

Regarding changes in student visas, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil will announce measures to lower intake to more manageable levels and tackle migrant exploitation, while ensuring the recruitment of workers for essential roles like hospital and aged care jobs is not compromised. An investment of USD 19 million will enhance visa integrity efforts to identify and reject students who fail the “genuine student test”. The policy also targets “visa hopping”, preventing students and visitors from extending their stays through unskilled work.

Phil Honeywood, chief of the International Education Association of Australia, believes the changes will be effective, as the government can control visa issuance, especially from specific regions like South Asia. The policy also addresses concerns over students downgrading their study level on their second visa to maintain work rights, raising doubts about system safeguards.

In addition to student visa reforms, the government plans to introduce a new “skills in demand” visa with three tiers, prioritizing highly skilled workers and discouraging low-skilled applicants. Skilled foreign workers committed to regional Australia will receive top priority in processing at the Department of Home Affairs.