Australia Announce New Visa Rules to Reduce Immigration: How Will New Rules Affect Immigrants?

• The Australian government has announced its intention to reduce migration intake by half in the next two years
• This comes a few days after the Canadian government and the United Kingdom home office made new immigration changes
• Over the years, Australia has been a choice destination for Nigerians looking to relocate for work or study

The Australian government has announced plans to reduce foreign migration intake by 50% within two years.

Anthony Albanese (l) is the Australian Prime Minister. William Ruto is Kenya’s president. Photo: @AlboMP/William Ruto. Source: UGC

Australia’s home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, disclosed this at a media briefing on Monday, December 11, 2023.

According to O’Neil, the new policy is part of a 10-year immigration strategy to help fix the country’s “broken” immigration system.

He also added that immigration changes will solve the country’s current housing and infrastructure pressures.

Australian immigration policy to change

BBC reports that Australia aims to slash the annual intake to 250,000 – roughly in line with pre-pandemic levels – by June 2025.

Also, under the new plan, there will be changes in visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers.

Visa priority will now be given to skilled workers.

The changes expected from Australian government

Among the new measures include tougher minimum English-language requirements for international students,

Also, there will be more scrutiny of those applying for a second visa as they must prove that further study would advance their academic aspirations or careers.

According to official data, some 650,000 international students are in Australia, with many on their second visa.

The visa pathways for migrants with “specialist” or “essential” skills – like highly-skilled tech workers or care workers – have also been improved to offer better prospects of permanent residency.

O’Neil also said that the new policies will attract more workers needed in Australia and help reduce the risk of exploitation for those who live, work and study in the country.

William Ruto Declares Kenya Visa Free Country

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that President William Ruto had announced visa-free entry into Kenya for all international travellers.

The president made the declaration during Jamhuri Day on Tuesday, December 12, when Kenyans celebrated the 60th year of independence at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

“Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It will no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya,” he declared.

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