Immigration nation: How Australia's immigration success story became its biggest political fight

Australia will no longer permit foreign students to bring partners and children who accompany them while they study, according to a senior government minister. The move, announced on Thursday, is part of a broader crackdown on immigration levels, following a surge in popularity for the hard-right One Nation party. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke denied that the changes were politically motivated, emphasizing that they were necessary to address voters' concerns about the cost of living and immigration.

The reforms are expected to reduce annual net migration to around 225,000 by 2028, from the current 300,000. To enforce the new rules, the government plans to hire 100 additional compliance officers and potentially repurpose a Melbourne quarantine facility for immigration detainees. Ballot systems will be introduced for backpacker working holiday visas, and applicant visas will be subject to a "no further stay" provision.

International students may only renew their visas if they advance in their studies. While the move may affect international student contributions to the economy, which reached A$53.6 billion in 2025, it is a priority for the Labor government. Critics argue that the changes will diminish the confidence in international education, a vital sector for Australia.