Net Migration Target in Jeopardy as Temporary Entrant Numbers Soar
The Albanese Government has set an ambitious target to reduce net migration to 225,000 by 2027-28. However, recent data suggests that this goal may be challenging to achieve.
According to Dr. Abul Rizvi, a former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration, the stock of temporary entrants in Australia at end June 2026 was 1,919,774, an increase from 1,681,585 in 2021.
The growth rate in the stock of temporary entrants in 2025-26 fell to 1.8%, but this doesn't tell the full story, as changes in departures, permanent visa grants, and citizenship acquisitions also affect net migration.
To meet its target, the Government needs to tighten policy on overseas students, working holidaymakers, and temporary graduate visas. Dr. Rizvi suggests confining temporary graduate visas to high-quality courses in areas of long-term skill shortage.