Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics underscores a significant 60% increase in net immigration.
Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules Amid Record-High Migration. Australia is set to enforce tougher visa regulations for foreign students starting this week, coinciding with a new peak in migration figures, which is expected to alleviate strain on the rental market.
Beginning Saturday, requirements for English language proficiency will be raised for student and graduate visas, alongside empowering the government to suspend education providers found repeatedly violating regulations in recruiting international students.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized the significance of these measures in reducing migration levels while fulfilling commitments to address shortcomings in the migration system inherited by the government.
To further deter individuals primarily seeking employment opportunities, a new “genuine student test” will be introduced. Additionally, “no further stay” conditions will be imposed on more visitor visas.
These adjustments follow a series of actions taken last year to retract COVID-era concessions, including unrestricted work hours for international students, with expectations of halving migrant intake over two years.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia elevated its annual migration figures in 2022 to address labor shortages. However, the subsequent surge in foreign workers and students has intensified pressure on the rental market.
Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics underscores a significant 60% increase in net immigration, reaching a record 548,800 individuals in the year leading to September 30, 2023. The surge, driven primarily by students from India, China, and the Philippines, has contributed to a 2.5% population growth, the fastest pace recorded, bringing Australia’s population to 26.8 million people by September 2023.
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While the influx of migrants has expanded the labor force and curbed wage inflation, it has further strained the housing market. Rental vacancies remain at historic lows, and soaring construction costs have limited new supply.
Minister O’Neil highlighted the impact of government interventions, noting a 35% decrease in recent international student visa grants compared to the previous year.
