Australia Cracks Down on Immigration Amid Skills Shortage

The Australian government has introduced new migration reforms aimed at tightening control over who enters and stays in the country. The changes target student visa hopping, restricting secondary applicants on most student visas.

Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, said the goal is to reduce immigration and fast-track skills the economy needs. He emphasized that genuine contributors are welcome, while those gaming the system will be targeted.

The reforms include strengthening compliance to ensure people without valid visas leave the country, updating Ministerial Direction 119 to prioritize skilled migration in key sectors, and cracking down on rogue migration agents.