Australia Implements Stricter Migration Policies to Control Student Visa Numbers

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 the "broken" migration system by implementing stricter English tests and increased scrutiny on second visa applications. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to bring migration numbers to a sustainable level. The reforms are expected to contribute to a decline in migrant numbers, which had peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23. The sudden influx of foreign workers and students has exacerbated pressure on Australia's tight rental market, leading to a rise in homelessness.