A proposed overhaul of Australia’s graduate visa system threatens to dismantle a key pathway to citizenship while raising concerns about the country’s global competitiveness, with university leaders warning the changes could deter international students. The government’s migration plan also risks undermining a free trade agreement with India, which currently permits graduates to remain and work for up to four years post-study. Under the proposed reforms, temporary graduate visas would be abolished, alongside significant reductions in international student, bridging, and temporary protection visas, alongside a sharp cut to humanitarian intake. Critics argue the measures could weaken Australia’s appeal as an education destination and strain diplomatic relations.
Angus Taylor’s drastic cuts to graduate visas aim to end a citizenship pathway, but universities body says changes will make Australia less competitiveGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastThe Coalition’s migration plan risks breaching Australia’s free trade agreement with India, signed by the former Morrison government, allowing Indian students to stay and work for up to four years after completing their studies.Angus Taylor on Tuesday announced plans to cut net overseas migration to 100,000 for the first two years of a Coalition government and up to 160,000 in year four, in a plan which would abolish temporary graduate visas, make major cuts to international student, bridging and temporary protection visas, and halve humanitarian places. Continue reading...
