The Australian government is tightening its immigration policy. The new measures primarily target foreign students

The Australian government announced on Thursday a package of measures to tighten immigration policy, particularly for international students, with the aim of reducing net migration to 225,000 people by 2028. The Labor government says the measures are necessary to ease pressure on the housing market.

Net migration is expected to fall to 245,000 people this year and to 225,000 in 2027 and 2028, down from approximately 300,000 currently. In the 12 months ending in March, the figure stood at 292,100 people, following a peak of around 518,000 in 2022–2023.

The new regulations will limit international students’ ability to bring family members to Australia and introduce a cap on extensions of “working holiday” visas. Young people who want to stay for a second or third year will be selected by lottery, while only 5,000 visas will be available for the third year.

Authorities will step up checks on people who remain in the country after their visas expire and will restrict visa renewals. In contrast, skilled workers in construction and public works will be given priority amid the need for housing.

Australia currently hosts approximately 753,000 international students, most of whom come from China and India. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said immigration remains beneficial for the country but must be kept “under control”.