Australia to restrict student, backpacker visas in migration clampdown
The Australian interior minister said reducing migration is needed to address housing pressures. The move comes amid a far-right surge in the polls.
Australia has announced stricter rules to curb immigration, targeting international students, "visa hoppers," and backpackers. International students will no longer be able to bring their families, and those seeking to extend their stay must choose a higher qualification. Working holiday visas, commonly used by backpackers, will undergo a ballot system, with limits on the number of extensions granted.
These changes aim to bring net overseas migration to 225,000 people by 2028, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. The government seeks a high level of control over immigration, citing its strength while addressing concerns over population growth, housing affordability, and strain on public services.
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- A backpacker ballot and a detention centre for visa overstayers: Australia’s new migration plan theguardian.com
- Australia targets student, backpacker visas in immigration crackdown dawn.com
- Australia to bar foreign students from bringing their partners and children japantimes.co.jp
- Australia to restrict student, backpacker visas in migration clampdown dw.com
- ‘You’re going to choose your family’: International students mull options after migration crackdown proposal theage.com.au
- ‘You’re going to choose your family’: International students mull options after migration crackdown proposal smh.com.au
- International students, 'visa hoppers' and backpackers targeted in Australia migration crackdown bbc.co.uk
