Photo credit: SBS
The Australian government stated that it had undertaken consultations with the states and territories, which recommended maintaining the current size and composition of the migration program.
Express reports that it was confirmed on Tuesday morning that the 2025-2026 intake will remain at the same levels and settings as the 2024-2025 program, with a focus on skilled migration.
The Department of Home Affairs has reportedly been processing visas based on last year’s levels, so there has been no change to the program’s operations, according to the government.
The government’s migration program and intake have been the source of protests, with thousands marching on the weekend across the nation over what they perceived to be high levels of immigration.
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia recorded net overseas migration of 446,000 people in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.
The largest group of migrant arrivals consisted of students, with 207,000 people.
Education Minister Jason Clare announced a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places for 2025 in August to manage growth in a “sustainable” way.
