Albanese Government Keeps Permanent Migration Intake at 185,000

Australia’s Permanent Migration Program for 2025-26

The Australian government has announced that the permanent migration level for the 2025-26 financial year will remain at 185,000, the same as the previous year. This decision was shared by Immigration Minister Tony Burke, amidst ongoing debates about immigration policies in Australia.

The Current Climate of Immigration Discussions

The announcement comes in the wake of recent protests, where some groups called for lower immigration numbers. Notable among those were individuals identifying as Neo-Nazis, who made their presence felt, especially in Melbourne. Following these events, Premier Jacinta Allan faced interruptions from such groups during a news conference, sparking discussions around the complexities of public opinion on immigration.

Burke explained that this figure was established following consultations with state and territory leaders. They recommended maintaining the current size and focus on skilled migration, which benefits both immigrants and the Australian economy.

Understanding Migration Numbers

It’s essential to distinguish this permanent migration figure from Net Overseas Migration (NOM). NOM includes all temporary workers and students coming into Australia. After the pandemic, NOM saw a significant spike, peaking at 538,000 in 2022-23. Since then, the government has worked to bring those numbers down, including implementing limits on overseas students.

As of December 31, 2024, NOM had decreased to 341,000, marking a 37% decline from the peak. For the December quarter of 2024, NOM recorded 68,000, the lowest number since borders reopened in December 2021. Notably, student arrivals in NOM also declined, falling to 22,000, down from 32,000 during the same period in 2023 and below pre-pandemic levels.

Community Reactions and Leadership Perspectives

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the presence of extremists at the protests, emphasising that not all attendees were associated with these groups. He highlighted the importance of addressing community fears, which are often amplified online. “We need to ensure we give people space to move away from these extreme views,” he noted.

In a bid to foster dialogue, Albanese mentioned his plans to meet with leaders from the Islamic community, reiterating the necessity for all Australians to engage positively with different communities.

The Need for Better Immigration Communication

According to immigration expert Abul Rizvi, both major political parties have been somewhat hesitant to communicate immigration strategies clearly to the public. This lack of clarity has allowed space for extremist narratives to flourish, even though they represent only a minor segment of the population. Rizvi suggests that the government needs to connect with “middle Australia,” reassuring the public that immigration is being managed in the national interest.

The government is set to release a report from Aftab Malik, who has been working to combat Islamophobia. An earlier report from another envoy targeting antisemitism received mixed reviews, and many are awaiting the government’s response to those recommendations.

While these discussions unfold, the opposition is advocating for a brief Senate inquiry into the government’s agreement with Nauru regarding former immigration detainees.

Key Takeaways

Australia’s permanent migration level will stay at 185,000 for 2025-26.
This figure is separate from Net Overseas Migration (NOM), which includes temporary workers and students.
The government emphasises skilled migration to benefit the economy.
Leaders are aware of community concerns regarding immigration and are working to engage with various groups.

Navigating the migration system in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process or exploring visa options. Whether you’re interested in temporary work visas or aiming for permanent residency, it’s vital to keep yourself informed and connected with the community.

What do you think?

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