Australia is cracking down on visa rules for international students and backpackers as the government seeks to curb migration and get a firmer grip on temporary migration pathways, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Thursday.
Under the changes, international students will generally be prohibited from bringing partners and children to Australia while they study and working holiday visa holders will be subject to new limitations on the length of their stays. Reuters reported a ballot system will be introduced for second and third year working holiday visas with regional work requirements retained.
The government will also step up enforcement against visa over stayers and introduce a “no further stay” condition on visitor visas, which will stop some visitors from switching to other visa categories while in Australia.
Burke said the measures were designed to restore the “integrity” of the migration system and give the government more “control” over demand-driven parts of the programme, ABC reported.
The government is trying to reduce net overseas migration from around 300,000 to 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 the next financial year.
Australia is being pressured over its population growth and housing. International education is still a major export industry but sector leaders warn that tougher regulation could impact universities and the wider economy.
