If you’ve been following Australian news recently, you might have seen some big numbers attached to stories about migration and international students.
One figure in particular has attracted attention: 750,000.
But before you start worrying about what this means for your studies or your visa, there’s an important distinction to make. The figure comes from a migration policy proposed by One Nation, an Australian political party. It is not a change to Australia’s visa system that has already taken effect.
Here’s what international students need to know.
Where did the 750,000 figure come from?
On 14 September, One Nation announced a proposal to reduce Australia’s temporary migrant population by 750,000 over three years.
According to ABC News, the proposal includes significant reductions affecting international students, graduates and the families of some temporary visa holders.
SBS News also reports that One Nation wants Australia to have “net-negative” migration for three years, meaning more people would leave the country than arrive.
Again, these are One Nation’s proposed policies. They should not be confused with Australia’s current visa settings.
What is being proposed for international students?
International students feature prominently in the proposal.
ABC News reports that One Nation has proposed reducing international student places from 590,000 to 350,000 over three years. The party has also proposed eventually limiting new student visas to just over 100,000 per year.
The proposal would also significantly reduce the number of international graduates remaining in Australia after completing their studies, from 270,000 to 40,000, according to ABC News.
The proposal would also affect international students' families and restrict certain areas of study. One Nation has proposed a separate category for certain postgraduate students, including those studying in areas such as science, engineering and medical research.
Why are international students part of the migration debate?
One reason the headlines can be confusing is that discussions about visas, migration and international student numbers often overlap.
Net overseas migration, or NOM, measures the difference between the number of people arriving in Australia for an extended period and the number leaving. It includes many different groups – not just international students.
As ABC News explains, temporary visa holders have been a major contributor to migration numbers in recent years. However, NOM also includes groups such as Australian citizens returning home and New Zealand citizens moving to Australia.
That means a headline about “migration” does not necessarily mean there has been a change to student visa rules.
What has the response been?
The proposal has generated significant debate.
Representatives of the university sector have strongly criticised the proposed reductions. ABC News reports that Universities Australia has warned that large reductions in international student numbers could affect university campuses, jobs and places available to domestic students.
SBS News reports similar concerns from education, agriculture and business groups about the wider economic and workforce effects of major migration reductions.
So, should international students be concerned?
The most important thing is to separate political proposals from actual visa changes.
Australia’s migration policy is an active political debate, and the Australian Government is also considering its own changes to migration settings.
If you see a major visa announcement, check whether it is a proposal, an announcement from the government, or a policy that has officially taken effect, and look closely at who it applies to.
