Australia tightens student and WHV visas to curb migration numbers

Sydney (ANTARA) - Australia will implement a ban on international students including family members in their student visas and will limit the extension of Working Holiday Visas (WHV) in an effort to curb migration numbers in the country.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced this in Canberra on Thursday (17/9), as part of a major overhaul of migration regulations to reduce net foreign migration to 225,000 by 202cap 28, down from the current level of approximately 300,000.

Under the new policy, a random selection system will be introduced for those seeking to extend their WHV for a second or third year.

Although most international students will no longer be permitted to bring family members to live in Australia, exceptions will be made for students from Pacific Island and ASEAN nations, as well as some doctoral programme students.

Foreign tourists will also be prohibited from extending their stay through the ‘no further stay’ provision on visitor visas.

Previously, on Monday (14/9), the far-right One Nation party, which has seen increasing support in recent polls, proposed a drastic reduction of temporary migrants by 750,000 people over three years. According to One Nation, such a move could restore the standard of living for Australians.

However, Burke dismissed the notion that the announced changes are a response to the political climate. According to Burke, the steps are being taken to ensure the immigration system remains aligned with its original objectives.