It is reported that the Australian government has decided to ban foreign students studying in Australia from bringing their spouses or children into the country. Foreign media report that regulations governing the transition of individuals currently in the country on temporary visas to other visa categories are set to be further tightened; the country’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, is expected to officially announce new immigration policies soon.
Currently, approximately 300,000 migrants arrive in Australia annually. The government aims to reduce this figure to 225,000 by 2028.
Under existing regulations, partners of students were permitted to work in Australia and bring along children under the age of 18. Through the new regulations, the government intends to revoke these privileges and thereby discourage migration to Australia.