Migration crackdown: Labor tightens visa rules for students, tourists and backpackers

SBS Japanese

BURKE STUDENT MIGRATION COMPOSITE — A composite showing Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, about migration and international students created on Thursday, September 17, 2026. (AAP Graphics/Joanna Kordina, AAP Image/Mick Tsikas, Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / JOANNA KORDINA/AAPIMAGE

The government has unveiled its plan to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028 in line with forecasts from the May budget. Many of the most significant changes relate to international students, working holiday makers and visitor visas. The government has also flagged stronger enforcement and a crackdown on visa hopping.

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Published 17 September 2026 7:49pm

By Tee Mitchell

Presented by Yumi Oba

Source: SBS

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The government has unveiled its plan to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028 in line with forecasts from the May budget. Many of the most significant changes relate to international students, working holiday makers and visitor visas. The government has also flagged stronger enforcement and a crackdown on visa hopping.

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