Coalition’s migration plan risks breaching India free trade agreement and damaging economy, advocates warn
Summary
The Australian Coalition government plans to reduce immigration and cut temporary graduate visas for international students, especially those from India. Critics say this could breach Australia's trade agreement with India and harm the economy by losing skilled workers in important fields.Key Facts
- The Coalition plans to cut net overseas migration to 100,000 in the first two years and up to 160,000 by year four.
- Temporary graduate visas will drop from 271,200 to 10,000 by 2031-32.
- Indian students, the second largest international student group in Australia, could be affected by these changes.
- The India-Australia free trade agreement allows Indian graduates to stay and work between 18 months and 4 years after study.
- Critics warn this plan may breach the trade agreement and reduce Australia’s access to skilled workers, especially in health, IT, and engineering.
- The government says it will create new visa pathways and believes it will not breach treaty commitments.
- A four-year transition phase is planned, with some workers in priority areas allowed to stay longer.
- Past policies increased work hours for international students, leading to more non-genuine student enrollments.
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