Key facts
- The Coalition plans to significantly cut net overseas migration (NOM).
- The Coalition's target is lower than Labor's goal of 245,000 for this financial year.
- One Nation advocates for limiting net arrivals to 130,000 annually.
- The Coalition's plan will prioritize skilled workers and maintain working holidaymaker places.
- Measures will target international students, their dependants, and visa overstayers.
- Liberal-National MP Andrew Wallace stated the plan is modeled for economic effect.
The Coalition is preparing to announce significant reductions in overseas migration, a policy shift aimed at curbing the growing support for the One Nation party. Opposition leader Angus Taylor is expected to present the plan on Tuesday, following approval from Liberal and National MPs.
The Coalition's target for net overseas migration (NOM) is anticipated to be considerably lower than the government's current figures, though not as drastic as One Nation's proposal to limit annual arrivals to 130,000. The Coalition's strategy will reportedly link new arrivals to housing completions and focus on skilled migration, while also cracking down on international students and those overstaying their visas.
Last year, Australia issued over 337,000 international student visas, with approximately 45,000 of these going to dependants. Labor's own immigration plan, detailed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, aims to reduce NOM to 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 by 2027-28. Labor's measures include restricting family members for most students and banning 'visa hopping'.
Concerns have been raised by National MPs about Labor's proposed ballot for working holidaymakers seeking to extend their stay, arguing it could harm regional industries like fruit picking. The Coalition, however, is reportedly considering carve-outs for these workers. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has already claimed the Coalition's plan is an endorsement of his party's policies.