Australia plans to cut its annual migration intake by half within two years, aiming for about 250,000 arrivals by June 2025.
The move follows concerns over the strain on housing and infrastructure due to record-high migration numbers.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil labeled the immigration system as “in tatters” and highlighted the need for significant reform after a review exposed its inefficiencies.
The reforms include stricter visa regulations for international students and low-skilled workers.
For instance, higher English-language standards for students and increased scrutiny for those seeking a second visa.
There’s a focus on enhancing pathways for skilled workers, such as tech professionals and care workers, to attain permanent residency.
The government asserts that these changes will draw in the needed workforce while also curbing exploitation among migrants.
However, opposition figures like Dan Tehan criticized the government for being slow to adapt immigration policies post-pandemic, suggesting the situation has already spun out of control.
As Australia grapples with a housing crisis, some voices call for a temporary migration decrease to alleviate the pressure.
However, groups like the Business Council of Australia argue that migrants aren’t the root cause, attributing the housing woes to inadequate investment and longstanding housing policy issues.
Source-BBC
