How Labor Disrupted Australia’s Migration System

Understanding Australia’s Immigration Challenges

If you’re considering a move to Australia, it’s important to stay informed about the current immigration landscape. While many opportunities abound, recent changes and trends have sparked some debate about the effectiveness of the country’s migration system.

The Shift in Temporary Migration

In a recent speech at the AFR Workforce Summit, former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil highlighted significant changes in Australia’s temporary migration system. She noted that, for the first time in modern history, the temporary migration programme is unplanned and has become central to the country’s immigration framework.

This drastic shift has resulted in a considerable increase in temporary migrants. For instance, the number of temporary visa holders soared from 1 million in 2007 to a staggering 1.9 million today. This increase has occurred without a deliberate strategy, leading to widespread concerns about the socio-economic impacts of such a reliance on temporary migration.

The Reality for Temporary Migrants

Many of these temporary migrants find themselves in a state of what can be called “permanent temporariness.” Without access to long-term residency, they face barriers in pursuing education, obtaining loans, or truly settling down in Australia. Instead, many navigate a complex and often frustrating cycle of temporary visas, a situation that is not ideal for them or beneficial for the country.

Recent data shows that as of Q2 2025, there are a record 2.46 million temporary migrants in Australia, a rise of 750,000 since the Labour government took office. This means nearly 8.9% of Australia’s population hold temporary visas, up from 6.6% just a few years ago.

The Increase in Bridging Visas

Bridging visas deserve attention as they can serve as a barometer of the health of the immigration system. Typically, these visas are granted to individuals whose substantive visa is being processed or has expired. Unfortunately, Australia has seen a significant increase in bridging visas, which ballooned to around 370,000 by Q2 2025, indicative of administrative challenges within the immigration system.

Concerns Over Immigration Policy

While the government aims to address challenges within the housing market by reducing international student numbers, data suggests that the reality is quite different. The number of people on student or graduate visas in Australia is at an all-time high, only slightly below the peak seen before the pandemic.

International enrolments in Australian courses hit a record 794,113 by April 2025, showing an appetite for education and opportunities in Australia. This reflects a broader trend in which the Albanese government has unintentionally set a higher planning level for international students, leading to increased numbers even as they claimed to reduce temporary migration.

What This Means for Job Seekers

For international job seekers eyeing opportunities in Australia, it’s vital to understand these dynamics. Navigating the visa process can be complex given the variety of options available, including the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and various other skilled migration routes. For those interested in job sponsorship, connecting with employers who have the capacity to sponsor visas is essential.

Understanding the background of the immigration system can help you make informed decisions about where to focus your job search. Depending on your skills and experience, it may be worth exploring the options available under the points-based immigration system.

Helpful Takeaway

The current immigration challenges reflect broader issues impacting temporary migrants. With policy changes affecting both the number of temporary visas and bridging visas, prospective migrants should stay informed and adaptable.

If you’re keen to understand how these trends might affect your plans for job hunting or relocation to Australia, maintaining an open dialogue with recruiters and others who’ve successfully navigated the system can be invaluable.

Have your say!

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