Sidra Shahab

13/10/2026

07/10/2026

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA MIGRATION UPDATE | MAJOR POLICY CHANGES BEING DEBATED

Australia’s migration settings are becoming a major political issue, with the major parties proposing very different approaches to reducing Net Overseas Migration (NOM).

🔵 Labor • Targeting NOM of approximately 245,000 this financial year • Target of 225,000 in 2027–28 • Greater priority for applicants with skills needed in areas such as healthcare, construction, education and law enforcement • Further restrictions around student visa pathways and visa hopping

🔷 Coalition • Proposing to reduce NOM to approximately 100,000 a year for the first two years from 2028–29 • Significant proposed reductions to bridging and Temporary Graduate visas • NOM would later increase to 130,000 and then 160,000

🟠 One Nation • Proposing substantial reductions in temporary visa holders • Student visa cap of 115,000 per year • Graduate visa cap of 20,000 per year • Proposed NOM ceiling of 130,000

🟢 Greens • Do not support setting a specific Net Overseas Migration target.

⚠️ 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

21/09/2026