Australia slows down ‘backpacker visas’ in fresh migration crackdown

The Australian government is implementing a slowdown in the issuance of new "working holiday" visas, aimed at reducing overall migration to the country. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke explained on Sunday that while applications for these visas are still being processed, they are being handled more slowly compared to previous periods. The visas permit individuals to work and travel in Australia for a fixed duration and are particularly favored by citizens from Europe and Japan.

For the current financial year, which commenced in July, applications from 24 nations are "paused," as confirmed by the department's website. Processing times for applicants from nations without a cap have begun to lengthen since July, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. Initially, the Minister had intended to announce new migration restrictions during a speech earlier this month, but the event was unexpectedly canceled.

The new policy is currently undergoing a cabinet review, according to Burke, who did not provide a timeline for its announcement.

Earlier this month, the national broadcaster ABC had reported that the government had planned to introduce significant reductions in migration policies, which included stricter regulations for family visas, a cap on backpacker visas, and limitations on the employment rights of asylum seekers. The government has expressed a desire to decrease the overall number of people permanently settling in Australia, although the actual immigration numbers have frequently surpassed their projections.

The main opposition parties and the far-right One Nation party have criticized the government's approach to migration, with both parties vowing to significantly reduce the number of immigrants if they take office.