On Monday, Australia announced plans to make its visa rules more stringent for international students and low-skilled workers. This move is part of a broader effort by the government to revamp what it considers a "broken" migration system.?
The decision is influenced by the anticipation of a significant decline in net immigration, with projections suggesting a decrease from a peak of 510,000 in 2022每23 to around a quarter of a million in 2024每25 and 2025每26.
These levels align more closely with pre-COVID figures.
"We've worked around the clock to strike the best balance in Australia's migration system,"?Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said in a statement ahead of the formal release of the government's new migration strategy later on Monday.
"The government's targeted reforms are already putting downward pressure on net overseas migration and will further contribute to this expected decline,"?O'Neil said.
According to O'Neil, the rise in net overseas migration during 2022每23 was primarily attributed to the influx of international students. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia increased its annual migration figures to assist essential businesses in hiring personnel to address shortages.?
The pandemic had led to stricter border controls, keeping international students and workers away from the country for almost two years.
Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the necessity of reducing Australia's migration numbers to a "sustainable level," stating that the current system is 'broken.'
Australia, known for its tight job market, has traditionally relied on immigration.
The Labor government is now working to streamline the entry of highly skilled workers and facilitate their journey to permanent residency. Changes include stricter English test requirements for international students and removing provisions allowing extended stays.
Additionally, a specialized visa for highly skilled workers will be introduced, with a faster processing time of one week. This initiative aims to assist businesses in attracting top talent, particularly considering the competitive landscape with other developed economies.
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