The Coalition, led by Angus Taylor, unveiled a sweeping migration plan that targets the largest reduction in Australia’s history, proposing a temporary visa cut of about 650,000 and a four-year phase to abolish the temporary graduate visa while trimming net overseas migration to 100,000 initially and up to 160,000 in year four.

In detail, the plan would reduce net migration by 100,000 people per year and aim for a cumulative 650,000 fewer migrants over four years, with a progressive cap linked to housing construction levels.

The proposal also envisages restricting temporary entries, including a major overhaul of student and graduate pathways, and creating new visa routes for graduates to stay short-term without guaranteed post-study work rights.

Analysts caution that the policy’s budget costings are not fully settled, with officials indicating a formal Parliamentary Budget Office costing may be incomplete and political messaging around costs circulating.

The debate centers on balancing immigration levels with economic needs, productivity, sector-specific shortages, inflation, and labor supply.

Experts note that international students and graduates may linger and influence long-term labor supply, with effects varying by sector as migration is reduced.

Opposition figures argue the changes would push graduates to return home and shift focus to immediate domestic skills rather than relying on university credentials.

Supporters claim immigration has buoyed the economy since the GFC, while critics say high migration masks weak productivity growth, citing GDP per capita trends.

Minister Tony Burke criticizes the plan as a “war on skilled migrants” that could worsen shortages in aged care, health, construction, and nursing, with skeptics warning of broader economic costs.

Officials say new visa pathways for graduates would exist but do not guarantee post-study work rights, highlighting a transitional approach.

Political contention continues as One Nation’s media appearances are canceled due to illness, and leaders from major parties remain absent from key migration policy discussions.

Industry and education groups warn the reforms could breach the India-Australia free trade agreement, challenging temporary stay or work rights for former students.