Australia to restrict student, backpacker visas in migration clampdown

The Australian government has announced new restrictions on student and working holiday visas as part of a broader effort to reduce net overseas migration. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that these policy changes, which include curbing 'visa hopping,' are intended to help the country reach a target of 225,000 migrants next year. Officials noted that current migration levels are already 47% below the post-Covid peak.

The government has linked these measures to the need to address ongoing housing pressures within the country. While the administration frames the policy as a strategic adjustment to manage population growth and infrastructure demands, observers have also noted the political climate, including a recent surge in support for far-right parties in national polling.