Australia's conservative opposition has unveiled plans for what it calls the country's "biggest cut to immigration" in history, with the Coalition proposing to slash net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for its first two years in government. The proposal could have significant implications for Indians, who have recently emerged as Australia's largest overseas-born population and remain the country's biggest source of temporary skilled migrants.Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 in each of the first two years if it wins the next federal election before increasing the figure to 130,000 in the third year and 160,000 in the fourth. The plan would also reduce temporary visa numbers by about 650,000 over four years.Australia recorded 292,100 net overseas migrants in the year to March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meaning the proposed 100,000 target would represent a substantial reduction from current levels. "Australia should be a home, not a hotel," Taylor said while announcing the policy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/io-sono-giorgia-meloni-italy-s-meloni-seeks-legal-protection-for-her-voice-against-ai-generated-deepfakes-1791264731592">‘Io sono Giorgia Meloni’: Italy’s Meloni seeks legal protection for her voice against AI-generated deepfakes</a><h2>Indians now Australia's largest overseas-born population</h2>The proposed immigration cuts come at a significant moment for the Indian community in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 971,020 people born in India were living in Australia on June 30, 2025, narrowly overtaking the England-born population of 970,950. It was the first time India had become Australia's largest overseas-born population.The number of India-born residents increased from about 449,000 in 2015 to 971,020 in 2025, an increase of roughly 522,000 people. The Indian-born population accounted for 3.5 per cent of Australia's total population and about 11 per cent of its overseas-born population in 2025.<h2>Why Indian students and skilled workers could be affected</h2>The Coalition's proposal targets several temporary migration pathways, including international education and temporary graduate visas. It plans to cap international student commencements at 240,000 a year, restrict most dependants accompanying students and scrap most temporary graduate visas, with limited exceptions for areas such as health, education, PhD graduates and regional universities. That could be significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in Australia.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-fall-by-almost-2-as-g7-stockpile-release-offsets-strait-of-hormuz-supply-fears-1791260713210">Oil prices fall by almost 2% as G7 stockpile release offsets Strait of Hormuz supply fears</a>At the same time, the Coalition says it wants to shift migration towards skilled workers, particularly in areas such as construction. It has proposed increasing temporary skilled migration while prioritising workers based on factors including skills and economic contribution.India is already the largest source of primary temporary skilled visa grants. Home Affairs data shows 6,220 primary temporary skilled visas were granted to Indian citizens in the six months to December 31, 2025, accounting for 18.1 per cent of the total. That was a 16.2 per cent increase from the corresponding period a year earlier.<h2>Australia is tightening migration rules already</h2>The Coalition's announcement comes as Australia's Labour government is also tightening migration rules. New student visa integrity measures that took effect on October 2 restrict onshore student visa applications and limit the ability of most students to bring family members. The government has also targeted "visa hopping" and migration agents for exploiting the system.The Labour government is targeting net overseas migration of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for 2027-28.&nbsp;

Indians planning to move to Australia could face tighter opportunities if the country's conservative opposition comes to power. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the "biggest cut to immigration" in history. Here's all you need to know.

Australia's conservative opposition has unveiled plans for what it calls the country's "biggest cut to immigration" in history, with the Coalition proposing to slash net overseas migration to 100,000 a year for its first two years in government. The proposal could have significant implications for Indians, who have recently emerged as Australia's largest overseas-born population and remain the country's biggest source of temporary skilled migrants. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 in each of the first two years if it wins the next federal election before increasing the figure to 130,000 in the third year and 160,000 in the fourth. The plan would also reduce temporary visa numbers by about 650,000 over four years. Australia recorded 292,100 net overseas migrants in the year to March 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, meaning the proposed 100,000 target would represent a substantial reduction from current levels. "Australia should be a home, not a hotel," Taylor said while announcing the policy. Also read | ‘Io sono Giorgia Meloni’: Italy’s Meloni seeks legal protection for her voice against AI-generated deepfakes Indians now Australia's largest overseas-born population The proposed immigration cuts come at a significant moment for the Indian community in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 971,020 people born in India were living in Australia on June 30, 2025, narrowly overtaking the England-born population of 970,950. It was the first time India had become Australia's largest overseas-born population. The number of India-born residents increased from about 449,000 in 2015 to 971,020 in 2025, an increase of roughly 522,000 people. The Indian-born population accounted for 3.5 per cent of Australia's total population and about 11 per cent of its overseas-born population in 2025. Why Indian students and skilled workers could be affected The Coalition's proposal targets several temporary migration pathways, including international education and temporary graduate visas. It plans to cap international student commencements at 240,000 a year, restrict most dependants accompanying students and scrap most temporary graduate visas, with limited exceptions for areas such as health, education, PhD graduates and regional universities. That could be significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in Australia. Also read | Oil prices fall by almost 2% as G7 stockpile release offsets Strait of Hormuz supply fears At the same time, the Coalition says it wants to shift migration towards skilled workers, particularly in areas such as construction. It has proposed increasing temporary skilled migration while prioritising workers based on factors including skills and economic contribution. India is already the largest source of primary temporary skilled visa grants. Home Affairs data shows 6,220 primary temporary skilled visas were granted to Indian citizens in the six months to December 31, 2025, accounting for 18.1 per cent of the total. That was a 16.2 per cent increase from the corresponding period a year earlier. Australia is tightening migration rules already The Coalition's announcement comes as Australia's Labour government is also tightening migration rules. New student visa integrity measures that took effect on October 2 restrict onshore student visa applications and limit the ability of most students to bring family members. The government has also targeted "visa hopping" and migration agents for exploiting the system. The Labour government is targeting net overseas migration of 245,000 for the current financial year and 225,000 for 2027-28.

Indians planning to move to Australia could face tighter opportunities if the country's conservative opposition comes to power. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled the "biggest cut to immigration" in history. Here's all you need to know.

'Home, not a hotel': Australia vows 'biggest immigration cut' in history - What it means for Indians

Australia significantly increased the fees for international students, more than doubling it from AUD&nbsp;710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). The latest move, effective from July 1, aims to rein in migration that is at an all-time high which is causing intensive pressure on an already tight housing market.&nbsp;

The latest move by the Anthony Albanese government is bad news for Indian students, who&nbsp;form&nbsp;the second-largest population of international students in Australia.

Continuing to curb migration, the government also announced that visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas will be banned from applying onshore for a student visa&nbsp;effective from July 1.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-visa-free-travel-indians-can-now-tick-kenyas-maasai-mara-off-their-travel-list-670149" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-visa-free-travel-indians-can-now-tick-kenyas-maasai-mara-off-their-travel-list-670149&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">With `visa-free` travel, Indians can now add Kenya`s Maasai Mara to their bucket list</a>

"The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia," Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said in a statement.

<h2>Australia takes steps to curb migration amid restrained housing market. How Indian students will be affected?</h2>

As per official data, in March, the net immigration rose to 60 per cent to a record 548,800 people in the year up to Sep 3, 2023.&nbsp;

The latest steps will hurt lot&nbsp;of Indian students planning to move to Australia besides those who are on temporary graduate visas.&nbsp;

The Australian government data shows that a significant number of Indian students - about 100,009 in 2022 were enrolled in various Australian institutions. Additionally, 1.22 lakh Indian students were studying in Australia in the Jan-Sep 2023 period.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-indian-students-workers-to-be-affected-by-visa-rules-in-australia-uk-and-canada-heres-why-668656" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-indian-students-workers-to-be-affected-by-visa-rules-in-australia-uk-and-canada-heres-why-668656&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Explained | How new visa rules in Australia, UK, Canada will adversely affect Indian students, workers</a>

The fee increase makes applying for an Australian student visa more expensive than in other countries like the US and Canada, where fees are approximately $185 and CAD 150 ($110), respectively, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The government said it is also looking into dealing with all the loopholes in visa rules that earlier allowed foreign students to continuously extend their stay in Australia.&nbsp;

The recent curbs are part of a wider crackdown on immigration by the Australian government. In March, the Australian government tightened the English language requirements for the same reasons. The amount of savings for international students in need of getting a visa was also raised in May to AUD 29,710 ($19,823) from AUD 24,505 ($16,146)- the second such increase in about seven months.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-uk-visa-policy-revisions-stir-anxiety-wion-speaks-to-indian-students-and-professionals-710941" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-uk-visa-policy-revisions-stir-anxiety-wion-speaks-to-indian-students-and-professionals-710941&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAioy76YWHAxU9TGcHHUT5AJ4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals</a>

A major chunk of the Australian economy relies on international student fees, it remains to be seen how the Australian government will balance out immigration curbs and economic stability.&nbsp;

International education is one of Australia's largest industries and was worth AUD 36.4 billion to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia significantly increased the fees for international students, more than doubling it from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). The latest move, effective from July 1, aims to rein in migration that is at an all-time high which is causing intensive pressure on an already tight housing market.

Australia significantly increased the fees for international students, more than doubling it from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). The latest move, effective from July 1, aims to rein in migration that is at an all-time high which is causing intensive pressure on an already tight housing market. The latest move by the Anthony Albanese government is bad news for Indian students, who form the second-largest population of international students in Australia. Continuing to curb migration, the government also announced that visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas will be banned from applying onshore for a student visa effective from July 1. Also Read | With `visa-free` travel, Indians can now add Kenya`s Maasai Mara to their bucket list "The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia," Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said in a statement. Australia takes steps to curb migration amid restrained housing market. How Indian students will be affected? As per official data, in March, the net immigration rose to 60 per cent to a record 548,800 people in the year up to Sep 3, 2023. The latest steps will hurt lot of Indian students planning to move to Australia besides those who are on temporary graduate visas. The Australian government data shows that a significant number of Indian students - about 100,009 in 2022 were enrolled in various Australian institutions. Additionally, 1.22 lakh Indian students were studying in Australia in the Jan-Sep 2023 period. Also Read | Explained | How new visa rules in Australia, UK, Canada will adversely affect Indian students, workers The fee increase makes applying for an Australian student visa more expensive than in other countries like the US and Canada, where fees are approximately $185 and CAD 150 ($110), respectively, reported Reuters. The government said it is also looking into dealing with all the loopholes in visa rules that earlier allowed foreign students to continuously extend their stay in Australia. The recent curbs are part of a wider crackdown on immigration by the Australian government. In March, the Australian government tightened the English language requirements for the same reasons. The amount of savings for international students in need of getting a visa was also raised in May to AUD 29,710 ($19,823) from AUD 24,505 ($16,146)- the second such increase in about seven months. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals A major chunk of the Australian economy relies on international student fees, it remains to be seen how the Australian government will balance out immigration curbs and economic stability. International education is one of Australia's largest industries and was worth AUD 36.4 billion to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia doubles foreign student visa fee to curb migration, Indian students likely to be hit

In a bid to “fix the broken immigration system”, Australia said on Monday (Dec 11) that it is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules.

While announcing the decision, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy that the move is expected to halve its migrant intake over the next two years.

“We’ve worked around the clock to strike the best balance in Australia’s migration system,” Clare O’Neil said.

“The government’s targeted reforms are already putting downward pressure on net overseas migration, and will further contribute to this expected decline,” O’Neil said.

The decision comes after net immigration was expected to have peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23. Official data showed it was forecast to fall to about a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, roughly in line with pre-Covid levels, reports Reuters news agency.

O’Neil said the increase in net overseas migration in 2022-23 was mostly driven by international students.

<h2>Mired in&nbsp;bureaucratic problems</h2>

The Albanese government have been trying to overhaul the immigration system as it continues to get mired in bureaucratic problems.

For example, the occupation codes used on the back end of Australia's migration, tax and other systems have not been added since 2013.

There are jobs in Australia today facing labour shortages that did not exist when the code was last updated, reports ABC News.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that Australia’s migration numbers needed to be brought back to a “sustainable level",&nbsp;adding that “the system is broken.”

Moreover, under the proposed policies, international students would need higher ratings on English tests. It will also end settings that allow students to prolong their stay in Australia.

<h2>Stringent English tests for students&nbsp;</h2>

A new specialist visa for highly skilled workers will be set up with the processing time cut to one week, helping businesses recruit top migrants amid tough competition with other developed economies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rejects-secret-memo-report-over-crackdown-against-khalistani-terrorists-668308">India rejects 'secret memo' report over 'crackdown' against Nijjar, others</a>

Australia, which has become one of the tightest labour markets in the world, has been long reliant on immigration.

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The Labour government has pushed to speed up the entry of highly skilled workers and smooth their path to permanent residency.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to “fix the broken immigration system”, Australia said on Monday (Dec 11) that it is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules.

In a bid to “fix the broken immigration system”, Australia said on Monday (Dec 11) that it is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules. While announcing the decision, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy that the move is expected to halve its migrant intake over the next two years. “We’ve worked around the clock to strike the best balance in Australia’s migration system,” Clare O’Neil said. “The government’s targeted reforms are already putting downward pressure on net overseas migration, and will further contribute to this expected decline,” O’Neil said. The decision comes after net immigration was expected to have peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23. Official data showed it was forecast to fall to about a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, roughly in line with pre-Covid levels, reports Reuters news agency. O’Neil said the increase in net overseas migration in 2022-23 was mostly driven by international students. Mired in bureaucratic problems The Albanese government have been trying to overhaul the immigration system as it continues to get mired in bureaucratic problems. For example, the occupation codes used on the back end of Australia's migration, tax and other systems have not been added since 2013. There are jobs in Australia today facing labour shortages that did not exist when the code was last updated, reports ABC News. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that Australia’s migration numbers needed to be brought back to a “sustainable level", adding that “the system is broken.” Moreover, under the proposed policies, international students would need higher ratings on English tests. It will also end settings that allow students to prolong their stay in Australia. Stringent English tests for students A new specialist visa for highly skilled workers will be set up with the processing time cut to one week, helping businesses recruit top migrants amid tough competition with other developed economies. Also read | India rejects 'secret memo' report over 'crackdown' against Nijjar, others Australia, which has become one of the tightest labour markets in the world, has been long reliant on immigration. Also read | Argentine libertarian Milei takes presidency with economic crisis in focus The Labour government has pushed to speed up the entry of highly skilled workers and smooth their path to permanent residency. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system

Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. At least four universities — Victoria, Wollongong, Torrens and Edith Cowan University—have tightened scrutiny of applications, according to reports in Australian dailies.&nbsp;

While some universities have resorted to outright bans, others have imposed restrictions. Even agents working for Australian universities have come down heavily on applications from Indian students.&nbsp;

Australia’s crackdown has been triggered by the soaring number of applications from India, with much of it suspected of being fraudulent. The number of applications is expected to exceed the all-time high of 75,000 seen before the pandemic in 2019.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when India-Australia relations are upbeat and being intensified. Under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) that came into force in December last year, Australia is to facilitate market access and mobility for more Indian professionals.

A student visa is seen as a shortcut to finding work and, perhaps even a work visa, especially for low-skilled jobs. This, in turn, has raised fears that many of the applicants are not genuine students but job-seekers who want to game the system for easy entry into Australia.&nbsp;

The concerns flagged by the authorities over the massive flow of applications seeking to undercut the country’s immigration laws have pushed the universities to take pre-emptive action by way of bans and restrictions. Otherwise, they could be courting trouble, especially from the Department of Home Affairs.&nbsp;

The ECTA agreement was followed by a visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in March&nbsp;when he announced that Australia would recognise Indian degrees.&nbsp;

The month before Albanese’s visit saw an unprecedented surge in applications from India for vocational education in Australia. The Home Affairs Department felt that the bulk of these applications might be fraudulent and, therefore, rejected 94 per cent of them.&nbsp;

Australia’s international education market is estimated to be worth about $40 billion annually. Many universities earn more from overseas students than those at home. Applications from South Asian countries began swelling since the previous administration in January 2022 scrapped&nbsp;the 20-hour weekly limit on student work. The Albanese government plans to bring back the work limit from July but feels that the integrity of Australia’s immigration should not be vitiated by letting in a tide of bogus applicants.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. At least four universities — Victoria, Wollongong, Torrens and Edith Cowan University—have tightened scrutiny of applications, according to reports in Australian dailies. While some universities have resorted to outright bans, others have imposed restrictions. Even agents working for Australian universities have come down heavily on applications from Indian students. Australia’s crackdown has been triggered by the soaring number of applications from India, with much of it suspected of being fraudulent. The number of applications is expected to exceed the all-time high of 75,000 seen before the pandemic in 2019. This comes at a time when India-Australia relations are upbeat and being intensified. Under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) that came into force in December last year, Australia is to facilitate market access and mobility for more Indian professionals. A student visa is seen as a shortcut to finding work and, perhaps even a work visa, especially for low-skilled jobs. This, in turn, has raised fears that many of the applicants are not genuine students but job-seekers who want to game the system for easy entry into Australia. The concerns flagged by the authorities over the massive flow of applications seeking to undercut the country’s immigration laws have pushed the universities to take pre-emptive action by way of bans and restrictions. Otherwise, they could be courting trouble, especially from the Department of Home Affairs. The ECTA agreement was followed by a visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in March when he announced that Australia would recognise Indian degrees. The month before Albanese’s visit saw an unprecedented surge in applications from India for vocational education in Australia. The Home Affairs Department felt that the bulk of these applications might be fraudulent and, therefore, rejected 94 per cent of them. Australia’s international education market is estimated to be worth about $40 billion annually. Many universities earn more from overseas students than those at home. Applications from South Asian countries began swelling since the previous administration in January 2022 scrapped the 20-hour weekly limit on student work. The Albanese government plans to bring back the work limit from July but feels that the integrity of Australia’s immigration should not be vitiated by letting in a tide of bogus applicants. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION Spotlight | Bogus applicants trigger Australia ban on Indian students

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'Home, not a hotel': Australia vows 'biggest immigration cut' in history - What it means for Indians

Australia doubles foreign student visa fee to curb migration, Indian students likely to be hit

Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system

WION Spotlight | Bogus applicants trigger Australia ban on Indian students