Australia to slash immigration, tighten visa rules: What to know

VISA RULE REVAMP: Australia announced on Monday its plans to revamp visa regulations for international students and low-skilled workers, potentially reducing its migrant intake by half over the next two years. Above: This picture taken on December 6, 2023 shows a Qantas Airways Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft taking off at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith international airport .

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST: The proposed changes include stricter English test requirements for international students and increased scrutiny on second visa applications.

GREATER SCRUTINY: Under the new policies, international students would need to secure higher ratings on English tests and there would be more scrutiny on a student's second visa application that would prolong their stay. "Our strategy will bring migration numbers back to normal," Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said during a media briefing, as reporterd by Reuters. Above: Students crossing on Goodwill foot bridge in Brisbane.

FUTURE: Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil added: "But it's not just about numbers. It's not just about this moment and the experience of migration our country is having at this time. This is about Australia's future." O'Neil said the government's targeted reforms were already putting downward pressure on net overseas migration and will further contribute to an expected decline in migrant numbers. Above : Shoppers browse stalls at The Rocks Market in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.

SUSTAINABILITY: Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil emphasized that the strategy aims to restore migration numbers to a sustainable level, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledging the need for systemic reform. Above: People at the King Street Wharf in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.

IMMIGRATION REFORMS: Ongoing targeted reforms, according to O'Neil, are already influencing a decrease in net overseas migration, aligning with the government's commitment to reshape Australia's migration landscape for a more sustainable future. Above : Australian Minister for Home Affairs Clare O'Neil.

PEAK: The decision follows projections of a peak in net immigration at a record 510,000 in 2022-23, expected to decline to around 250,000 in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels. Home Affairs Minister O'Neil attributed the surge in 2022-23 to international students, acknowledging immigration's crucial role in Australia's success. Above: Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

HOUSING CONCERNS: While emphasizing the historical contribution of foreign workers, O'Neil addressed public concerns by pledging to enhance planning, particularly in housing. The government's response includes imposing higher fees on foreigners with empty homes.

STRIKING A BALANCE: Amid rising rental prices, immigration reforms, seen by experts as influenced by politics, aim to strike a balance. A new specialist visa with a one-week processing time is also introduced to attract highly skilled workers swiftly. Above: Sunrise over Sydney city.