Australia Holds Permanent Migration Intake at 185,000 Amid Public Pressure and Protests
Introduction
In a year marked by political tension, housing crises, and nationwide protests, the Australian government has chosen to maintain its permanent migration intake at 185,000 for the 2025–26 financial year. This decision, announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, comes amid growing public scrutiny of immigration levels and their perceived impact on infrastructure, housing, and social cohesion
1. While the migration cap remains unchanged from the previous year, the announcement has sparked debate across political, academic, and community circles. The government insists the move is a balanced response to economic needs and public sentiment, but critics argue it fails to address systemic issues in the migration system—particularly for international students and family visa applicants.
Background: The Migration Landscape Post-COVID
Australia’s migration system has undergone significant fluctuations over the past five years. The COVID-19 pandemic caused net migration to plummet into negative territory in 2020, as international borders closed and temporary visa holders—including students and workers—left the country in large numbers.
In the years that followed, a “catch-up” effect saw net migration surge to over 500,000 in 2023, driven by pent-up demand from international students, skilled workers, and returning Australians
1. This spike exceeded Treasury forecasts and reignited public debate about the sustainability of high migration levels.
By the end of 2024, net migration had dropped to 340,750, and it is projected to fall further to 255,000 in 2025. Despite this decline, public concern remains high, particularly in light of housing shortages and rising living costs.
The 2025–26 Migration Program: What’s Included
The 185,000 permanent visa places for 2025–26 are divided into three main streams:
- Skilled Migration Stream: ~70% of the total intake (~129,500 places)
- Family Migration Stream: ~30% (~55,500 places)
- Special Eligibility Stream: A small number of places for unique cases
The skilled stream includes employer-sponsored visas, state-nominated visas, and regional migration pathways. The family stream primarily consists of partner, parent, and child visas.
Minister Burke emphasized that the program was shaped by consultations with state and territory governments, all of which recommended maintaining the current size and composition of the intake
Why the Cap Wasn’t Reduced
The decision to hold the cap steady contrasts with the Coalition’s proposal to reduce the permanent intake to 140,000, a move they argued would ease pressure on housing and public services. However, a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) analysis found that such a cut would cost the economy $3.4 billion in lost income tax revenue over four years.
Migration experts and business groups welcomed the government’s decision. Peter van Vliet, CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia, called it “a sensible move that supports employers facing skills shortages”.
Impact on International Students
Although the permanent migration cap does not directly affect student visas, it has indirect implications for international students seeking to transition to permanent residency (PR). Here’s how:
- Increased Competition for PR: With the cap unchanged and demand rising, international graduates face tougher competition for skilled migration places.
- Regional Migration Incentives: Students who study and work in regional areas are more likely to receive state nominations and extra points for PR.
- Tighter PR Pathways: The government has raised salary thresholds and introduced stricter English and financial requirements for skilled visas, making it harder for students in low-demand fields to qualify.
Family Visa Backlog: A Growing Crisis
One of the most controversial aspects of the current migration program is the backlog in family visa applications, particularly for spouses and children of Australian residents. Despite being legally entitled to permanent visas if they meet eligibility criteria, many applicants face years-long delays.
Former senior immigration official Abul Rizvi estimates the backlog is approaching 100,000 people. He warned that the government is “kicking the problem down the road” and could face a class action lawsuit from affected families.
Alan Gamlen, a migration professor at ANU, added that the government is “essentially breaking the law” by failing to process these visas in a timely manner.
Public Sentiment and Political Fallout
The announcement comes just days after nationwide anti-immigration protests, some of which were linked to far-right and neo-Nazi groups. Protesters cited housing shortages, hospital wait times, and job competition as reasons to reduce immigration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the protests, stating they were “not the Australian way” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to multiculturalism
However, the protests reflect a broader shift in public sentiment. A recent Lowy Institute poll found that 53% of Australians believe immigration levels are too high, while only 38% think they are too low.
Expert Analysis: A Delicate Balancing Act
Migration analysts argue that the government is walking a tightrope between economic necessity and political pragmatism. On one hand, Australia needs skilled migrants to fill labor shortages in healthcare, construction, and technology. On the other, public concern about infrastructure and housing cannot be ignored.
The decision to maintain the cap is seen as a compromise—one that avoids drastic cuts while signaling responsiveness to public concerns.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
The 2025–26 migration program reflects a cautious approach to immigration policy. By keeping the cap at 185,000, the government aims to support economic growth without exacerbating social tensions.
For international students, the message is clear: migration pathways remain open, but more competitive. Strategic planning—such as choosing high-demand courses, studying in regional areas, and gaining relevant work experience—will be essential for those seeking to transition from student to permanent resident.
As Australia continues to refine its migration strategy, stakeholders across education, business, and community sectors will be watching closely.
Leave A Comment