One Nation Targets Visa Backlog with Plan to Cut International Student Intake
Pauline Hanson's One Nation has proposed a plan to reduce Australia's international student intake by over 750,000 in three years. The policy would cut visa grants from more than 290,000 per year to 115,000 and eliminate secondary visas for family members of students.
The move aims to tackle the backlog of temporary visa applicants clogging the appeals system. However, experts warn that it could 'decimate' the university sector, which relies heavily on foreign student fees to balance its books.
International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood said governments have forced universities into relying on foreign student fees due to a growing number of international students and their families remaining in Australia on bridging visas.
The policy outline does not include an economic impact analysis, with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce dismissing criticism, saying 'They're not elected. I am.'