Government lifts migration cap to 195,000, commits $36 million to fix visa backlog

The Federal Government has made a major announcement on migration, increasing the annual cap of foreign arrivals by 35,000. Home Affairs minister Clare O'Neil confirmed the news on the last day of the Jobs and Skills summit in Canberra.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks at the end of the Jobs and Skills Summit at Parliament House in Canberra, Friday, September 2, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Australian government will raise its migration cap to 195,000 a year, adding 35,000 spots from the previous cap of 160,000.
• The government will commit $36.1 million to clear visa backlogs.
• The Jobs and Skills summit has seen powerful players assemble in Canberra.