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Source: Migration Institute of Australia (MIA)
As Australia approaches the upcoming federal election, the three major political parties—Australian Labor Party (ALP), Coalition, and the Greens—have released key details of their proposed migration policies for 2025–26. Here's what each party is promising and proposing when it comes to migration, humanitarian support, international students, and more.
Permanent Migration:
The ALP has kept the permanent migration intake at 185,000 for 2024–25, but has not provided a clear figure for 2025–26 in the latest federal budget.
Humanitarian Program:
Also unchanged for 2024–25, the current intake is set at 20,000 places. No specific update has been given for the upcoming year.
International Students:
The Labor Government will increase the primary student visa application fee to $2,000 from 1 July 2025. However, visa fee arrangements for applicants from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste will remain unchanged. Visa caps will continue to be managed under Ministerial Direction 111.
Health and Disability:
In response to the Disability Royal Commission, the ALP has committed to reviewing and modernising the Disability Discrimination Act, with the review led by the Attorney-General’s Department in 2025. However, it has not committed to removing the Migration Act’s exemption from this legislation.
Significant Investor Visa (SIV):
The ALP has publicly opposed the reintroduction of the Significant Investor Visa.
Permanent Migration:
If elected, the Coalition plans to reduce the permanent migration intake from 185,000 to 140,000 for the first two years, then gradually increase it to 150,000 in Year 3 and 160,000 in Year 4. They also propose to reduce net overseas migration by 100,000 compared to Labor's levels.
Humanitarian Program:
The Coalition proposes reducing the humanitarian intake to 13,750 places annually.
International Students:
The Coalition has announced significant changes, including:
A reduction of at least 30,000 new student commencements annually.
Student visa application charges of $5,000 for applicants to Group of Eight universities and $2,500 for all others.
A $2,500 fee for students switching education providers. They will also review post-study work visas to curb misuse and enhance enforcement to prevent visa-hopping.
Health and Disability:
The Coalition will consider the Government’s full response to the Royal Commission's 222 recommendations but has not committed to removing the Migration Act exemption.
Significant Investor Visa:
According to media reports, the Coalition is open to considering a new version of the SIV.
Permanent Migration:
The Greens support a flexible intake with no fixed cap, adapting numbers based on national needs.
Humanitarian Program:
The party proposes a significant increase to 50,000 places annually.
International Students:
The Greens are firmly against placing caps on international student numbers.
Health and Disability:
They advocate for removing the Migration Act’s exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act to end systemic discrimination in the migration system.
Significant Investor Visa:
The Greens oppose the SIV and any similar programs.
The migration policies of Australia’s major parties show clear differences in approach—from intake numbers and student visa charges to humanitarian support and inclusion policies. As the federal election nears, these positions will play a critical role in shaping Australia's future migration landscape.
If you're unsure how these policy changes could affect your migration plans, speak to a registered migration expert at IME Advisors. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
