The Australian Government announced new immigration regulations targeting visa overstayers and international student families, with net overseas migration (Nom) set to fall to 245,000 in the 2026-27 financial year and further to 225,000 in 2027-28.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics confirmed Nom decreased to 292,000 in the year to March 2026, down from 299,000 in December 2025. The reforms were detailed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at the National Press Club.
Enforcement and Visa Compliance Measures
The government plans to repurpose a former quarantine facility in Melbourne as a detention centre to hold foreign citizens without valid visas. Additionally, 100 extra compliance officers will
be hired to enforce visa rules, targeting overstayers who currently remain on bridging visas after applying for status changes onshore.
Burke emphasized that these enforcement measures differ significantly from harsher international models, stating, “This is not the sort of operation that some people have seen on TV happening in other countries.” New penalties will also apply to migration agents involved in visa fraud.
Visitor visas will include a “no further stay” condition to ensure they are not used as pathways for extended residence by individuals who entered as short-term visitors.
Restrictions on Student Family Visas
Changes severely limit international students from bringing most family members
or dependants to Australia. In the 2025-26 financial year, Australia issued over 337,000 international student visas, including about 46,000 dependent visas, with South Asian countries—Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka—accounting for over 70% of these family visas offshore.
Under the new rules, most students must enter Australia without dependants, except for PhD candidates and students sponsored by overseas governments. Keri Ramirez, managing director of Studymove, noted, “South Asian countries accounted for more than 70% of all dependent visas granted last financial year offshore, with 10,448 visas granted to student dependents from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka.”
Universities
Australia CEO Luke Sheehy highlighted concerns over declining student commencements, down 8% from the previous year and below government planning levels, stating, “If 295,000 is the right level for Australia, the settings need to give universities a realistic chance of getting there.” The recent student visa charge increase by $2,500 adds further challenges for international enrolments.
Skilled Migration and Working Holidaymaker Policy
The government will prioritize visa applications for occupations on the skills shortage list, covering healthcare, construction, education, law enforcement, paramedics, electricians, teachers, defence, resources, agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing. Changes aim to ensure the migration system aligns with economic and workforce needs.
Backpacker visas will
undergo reforms introducing a ballot system for second and third-year extensions, alongside regional work requirements. Working holidaymaker visa processing times will be stabilized at three months, improving predictability for applicants.
Working holidaymakers from the United Kingdom will be exempt from new caps and regional obligations due to free trade agreement commitments. Around 80,000 UK working holidaymakers are currently residing in Australia—more than twice the pre-pandemic level of 35,000—which the government acknowledged as a growth challenge requiring bilateral discussions.
Political and Industry Reactions
Business leaders have expressed mixed responses. Bran Black, CEO of the Business Chamber of Australia, welcomed the policy shift but voiced worries
about delays in processing skilled worker visas under the new system.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre criticized the lack of clarity on time restrictions for asylum seekers, highlighting ongoing concerns about migrants and refugees serving as political targets.
Opposition voices described the immigration policy as inconsistent, with Australian Greens labeling it a return to hardline tactics. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended the approach, affirming, “The government supports immigration but is opposed to anyone rorting the immigration system.” He also stressed the government’s commitment to fairness, stating, “Almost everyone who comes to Australia is a good guest in our country.
These reforms are to ensure that our migration system can be better targeted to the current needs of Australia.”
