The Australian Government recently announced stricter visa rules for Nigerian students and other foreign students planning to move to the country due to a surge in migration numbers.
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The new regulations include increased English language requirements for student and graduate visas, as well as the power to suspend education providers for non-compliance with rules regarding international student recruitment.
The government aims to reduce migration levels while addressing issues in the migration system, with measures such as a “genuine student test” and “no further stay” conditions on visitor visas being introduced to deter students primarily seeking work opportunities.
These changes follow previous actions to close off COVID-era concessions and tighten rules for international students, with the goal of potentially halving migrant intake over a two-year period.
Despite the increase in migration numbers in 2022 to address labor shortages post-pandemic, the influx of foreign workers and students has put pressure on the rental market, as shown by a 60% rise in net immigration to a record 548,800 people in the year ending Sept. 30, 2023.
