07/10/2026
๐ฆ๐บ AUSTRALIA MIGRATION UPDATE | MAJOR POLICY CHANGES BEING DEBATED
Australiaโs migration settings are becoming a major political issue, with the major parties proposing very different approaches to reducing Net Overseas Migration (NOM).
๐ต Labor
โข Targeting NOM of approximately 245,000 this financial year
โข Target of 225,000 in 2027โ28
โข Greater priority for applicants with skills needed in areas such as healthcare, construction, education and law enforcement
โข Further restrictions around student visa pathways and visa hopping
๐ท Coalition
โข Proposing to reduce NOM to approximately 100,000 a year for the first two years from 2028โ29
โข Significant proposed reductions to bridging and Temporary Graduate visas
โข NOM would later increase to 130,000 and then 160,000
๐ One Nation
โข Proposing substantial reductions in temporary visa holders
โข Student visa cap of 115,000 per year
โข Graduate visa cap of 20,000 per year
โข Proposed NOM ceiling of 130,000
๐ข Greens
โข Do not support setting a specific Net Overseas Migration target.
โ ๏ธ Important: These are political policy proposals and should not be confused with current Australian migration law. Migration settings can change as policies develop and legislation or regulations are introduced.
For advice about your Australian visa options and how migration changes may affect you, seek professional advice based on your individual circumstances.
Sidra Shahab
Registered Migration Agent
MARN: 1792643
Source: The Guardian, 8 October 2026