The Australian Government is set to roll out tougher visa regulations for Nigerian students and other international applicants in response to a surge in migration numbers.
Beginning this Saturday, stricter English language requirements will be imposed for student and graduate visas. Moreover, the government will gain the authority to suspend education providers from enrolling international students if they repeatedly violate regulations.
Clare O’Neil, the Home Affairs Minister, stated, “The actions this weekend will continue to drive migration levels down while delivering on our commitments in the migration strategy to fix the broken system we inherited.”
A new “genuine student test” will be introduced to target international students who primarily come to Australia for work purposes. Additionally, there will be increased use of “no further stay” conditions on visitor visas.
These measures follow various actions taken last year to reverse COVID-era concessions introduced by the former government, including the removal of unrestricted working hours for international students.
In 2022, Australia raised its yearly migration figures to assist businesses in addressing labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sudden influx of foreign workers and students has exacerbated the already tight rental market.
