Australia Implements Stricter Immigration Policies, Reduces Migrant Intake and Student Visa Regulations

Australia plans to tighten visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, potentially halving its migrant intake over the next two years. The government aims to overhaul what it considers a "broken" migration system. The new policies include higher English test ratings for international students and increased scrutiny on second visa applications. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that migration numbers need to be reduced to a sustainable level, as the current system is deemed broken. The reforms are expected to contribute to a decline in migrant numbers, which had been projected to peak at 510,000 in 2022-23.